Does Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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does
[dʌz ]
Definition
auxiliary verb
The word 'does' is the third person singular form of the verb 'do'. It is commonly used to form questions and negative statements in the present simple tense. For example, it is used in sentences like 'Does she like coffee?' or 'He does not play football.'
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- Does he speak French?
- She does not understand the problem.
- Does it rain a lot here?
- What time does the train leave?
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Grammar
- In English grammar, 'does' is an auxiliary verb, helping to create questions and negative statements.
- It is often paired with the base form of another verb, like in 'does go' or 'does know'.
- 'Does' is vital for subject-verb agreement in present simple tense when talking about he, she, or it.
Communication
- Using 'does' makes your question sound polite and formal, which is often preferred in written communication.
- When teaching English, 'does' is one of the first auxiliary verbs introduced to emphasize the concept of questioning.
- In conversations, 'does' can reflect curiosity or inquiry, leading to more engaging discussions.
Cultural References
- In popular culture, the phrase 'Who does?' is often used humorously as a playful way to ask someone what actions they are taking.
- The use of 'does' in many famous song lyrics enhances the song's rhythm and flow.
- In many children’s shows, questions using 'does' are common to encourage interaction among young viewers.
Origin of 'does'
Main points about word origin
- 'Does' comes from Old English 'dō', which means 'to do'.
- The word has evolved through various stages of the English language, maintaining its central role in forming questions.
- 'Does' specifically serves as the third person singular form of 'do', used with he, she, or it.
The word 'does' originates from Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'dō', which means 'to do or to act'. 'Dó' was used across various dialects in the early forms of English. The evolution led to the distinctive forms used in modern English, including 'do', 'does', and 'did'. The usage of 'does' as the third person singular in the present tense became standardized over centuries, especially as English grammar evolved during the Middle Ages. It played a crucial role in helping to build the structure of English sentences, enabling the distinction between singular and plural subjects. This singularity illustrated by 'does' became a fundamental aspect of English syntax.