Gate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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gate
[ɡeɪt ]
Definitions
entrance
A gate is a movable barrier that can be opened or closed to control access to a particular area, such as a fence or a wall.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gate |
Outside entry points, often part of a fence or wall. It can be used in formal and informal contexts.
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| door |
An entry way within buildings or rooms, commonly used in daily conversation.
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| entrance |
A place for entering, especially a main entryway, often formal or descriptive.
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| barrier |
Something that prevents movement or access. It often has a more negative or restrictive connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The gate to the garden creaked as it swung open.
- The security guard closed the gate behind him.
- We need to install a new gate at the entrance to the property.
airport
At an airport, a gate is a designated area where passengers board or disembark from an aircraft.
Synonyms
boarding area, departure gate, terminal gate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gate |
This word is very general and can be used in various situations where you refer to the entrance to a plane or specific section at the airport.
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| boarding area |
This term is used to describe the larger area in the terminal where passengers wait before they board their flight.
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| departure gate |
Use this when specifying the exact gate where a flight will depart. It’s a more formal way to refer to the gate from where boarding is conducted.
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| terminal gate |
This term is often used when referring to the gate in relation to the terminal building, giving the specific location within the airport terminal.
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Examples of usage
- Our flight is departing from gate 12.
- Passengers were asked to proceed to their assigned gate for boarding.
open
To gate something means to confine or close it off by means of a gate.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| gate |
Use 'gate' when referring to a physical barrier that can be opened to allow entry or exit. Often associated with a larger barrier like a fence or wall.
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| confine |
Use 'confine' to describe restricting someone or something within limits. This often has a negative connotation, implying a limitation of freedom.
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| enclose |
Use 'enclose' when putting something inside a barrier or surrounding it completely. It can refer to physical containment or the inclusion of something in an envelope or package.
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| shut |
Use 'shut' to indicate the act of closing something firmly or completely. It can be used both for doors, windows, etc., and metaphorically to describe ending communication or stopping actions.
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Examples of usage
- The sheep were gated in the field to prevent them from wandering off.
- He gated the entrance to the property every night.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word 'gate' comes from the Old Norse word 'gata', meaning way or path, highlighting its function in guiding traffic.
- In ancient cities, gates served as important defenses, controlling who could enter or leave, which is vital for safety.
- The design of gates varies widely across cultures, from the ornate gates of palaces to simple wooden ones in rural homes.
Architecture
- Architectural styles of gates can reflect the culture's aesthetic, such as the intricate carvings found in Indian temple gates.
- Modern gates may include technology, such as automatic gates that open with a click of a button, highlighting innovation in design.
- Historical gated communities often symbolize wealth and security, providing both an aesthetic and protective function.
Literature
- Gates often symbolize transition or change in stories, representing the threshold between different worlds or phases of life.
- In fairy tales, magical gates frequently open to new adventures, emphasizing their role as gateways to the unknown.
- In the biblical context, gates are sometimes mentioned as points of entry into sacred spaces or cities, highlighting their symbolic significance.
Cultural Significance
- Cultural festivals often feature ceremonial gates, which represent welcome and hospitality to visitors and participants.
- In Chinese culture, gates play a prominent role in feng shui, where their placement can influence energy flow and prosperity.
- Throughout history, gates have served as symbols of power, often adorned with flags or coats of arms to signify authority.
Ecology
- Gates in wildlife reserves may control human access to protect ecosystems, balancing conservation efforts with public interest.
- The placement of gates in parks can also influence animal movement, as certain entries may be more appealing to wildlife than others.
- In sustainable architecture, gates can be designed to minimize impact on local wildlife, showing an emphasis on harmony with nature.
Origin of 'gate'
The word 'gate' originated from the Old English 'geat', which is related to the Dutch 'poort' and German 'Pforte'. It has been used to refer to an entrance or barrier for centuries, evolving to include various meanings such as an airport gate. Gates have played a significant role in history, symbolizing security, control, and boundaries.
See also: gatekeeper, gateway.