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Deck Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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deck

[dɛk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

playing cards

A deck is a set of playing cards used for games. It usually contains 52 cards, divided into four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. Decks can also include jokers or additional cards depending on the game being played.

Synonyms

card deck, pack of cards, set of cards.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deck

General term used to refer to a collection of cards in various contexts, especially in card games.

  • He built a new deck for his magic trick.
  • She reshuffled the deck before dealing the cards.
card deck

Specifically emphasizes that the deck consists of cards. Commonly used in more formal or specific discussions about card games.

  • The card deck was neatly organized into suits.
  • He fanned out the card deck to show they were in order.

Examples of usage

  • Let's shuffle the deck before dealing the cards.
  • She had a winning hand in poker with a full deck.
Context #2 | Noun

ship

In nautical terms, a deck refers to a horizontal surface on a ship. It is the area where crew members and passengers walk, work, and sometimes relax. There are usually multiple levels or 'decks' on a ship.

Synonyms

boat platform, ship floor, vessel level.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deck

This could be a repeat from the first word 'deck'. It primarily refers to a flat surface on a ship or a boat.
ship floor

An uncommon and less precise term. It generally means the indoor floor areas of a ship, mainly used by people unfamiliar with nautical terms.

  • The ship floor was wet after the storm.
  • Be careful while walking on the ship floor.
vessel level

A technical term often used in engineering or maritime contexts to describe different levels or floors within a vessel. This is used more in professional or technical scenarios.

  • The crew worked on the lower vessel level to repair the engine.
  • Safety checks are conducted on each vessel level.
boat platform

Specifically refers to a flat structure on a boat where people stand or operate equipment. It is not widely used and can sound technical.

  • They installed a new boat platform to make fishing easier.
  • The divers prepared their gear on the boat platform before entering the water.

Examples of usage

  • The sailors swabbed the deck to keep it clean.
  • Passengers enjoyed the view from the upper deck.
Context #3 | Verb

knock down

To deck someone means to knock them down with a punch or blow. It is often used in informal or slang contexts to describe a sudden and forceful physical attack.

Synonyms

hit, knock down, punch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
deck

Best used informally to describe knocking someone down with a punch, often in a physical altercation or fight.

  • 1
  • He decked the guy with one punch
  • 2
  • She was about to deck him when he apologized
knock down

Typically used in a physical context to describe a forceful action that causes someone or something to fall to the ground. Can be used in both violent and non-violent scenarios.

  • 1
  • The boxer knocked down his opponent in the second round
  • 2
  • The wind was strong enough to knock down several trees
hit

Can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe striking someone or something. It does not necessarily imply a knockout.

  • 1
  • He hit the ball out of the park
  • 2
  • She hit him on the arm to get his attention
punch

Specifically used to describe striking with the fist, commonly in the context of fighting or self-defense.

  • 1
  • He threw a punch at the attacker
  • 2
  • She punched the wall in frustration

Examples of usage

  • He decked his opponent with a single punch.
  • The boxer was decked in the first round.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • In modern homes, a deck is often built to extend living spaces outdoors, usually made of wood or composite materials.
  • Decks are popular in homes because they provide outdoor areas for family gatherings, gardening, and relaxation.

Games

  • A standard deck of playing cards usually has 52 cards divided into four suits: hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades.
  • Decks can vary greatly for games, with custom decks created for specific games like Uno or cards against humanity.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'deck' is used in popular culture; for example, 'to deck someone' means to hit or punch them, often used in movies and TV shows.
  • Deck-building games have gained immense popularity, blending strategy and card games, with titles like 'Magic: The Gathering' and 'Dominion'.

Origin of 'deck'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'deck' comes from the Dutch word 'dekken,' which means 'to cover,' related to covering boats.
  • Originally, in nautical terms, 'deck' referred to the flat surfaces on the ship where sailors would walk and work.

The word 'deck' has a long history, originally derived from Middle Dutch 'dec', meaning covering or roof. It evolved to refer to a ship's covering, then expanded to include the set of playing cards. The verb form, meaning to knock down, likely originated from the idea of 'decking' someone on a ship's deck. Over time, 'deck' has become a versatile term with multiple meanings in different contexts.

See also: foredeck.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,914, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.