Ground: meaning, definitions and examples

๐ŸŒ
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ground

 

[ ษกraสŠnd ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

surface

The solid surface of the earth; firm or dry land

Synonyms

earth, soil, terrain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ground

Used to refer to the surface of the Earth or the particular type of surface, often in the context of being on it or using it for a specific purpose.

  • He dropped his keys on the ground.
  • Children were playing on the school grounds.
earth

Often used to refer to the planet as a whole or the surface layer of the planet that contains life and vegetation. It can also mean soil in a poetic or scientific context.

  • Plants grow out of the earth.
  • We must protect the environment of Earth.
soil

Refers specifically to the upper layer of earth in which plants grow, often in agricultural or gardening contexts.

  • The soil in this area is very fertile.
  • Farmers must enrich the soil to grow better crops.
terrain

Often used to describe the physical characteristics of a large area of land, including its elevation, slope, and natural features, usually in a geographical or exploratory context.

  • The hikers had to navigate through difficult terrain.
  • The military needs to understand the terrain before planning an operation.

Examples of usage

  • She sat on the ground and watched the sunset.
  • The earthquake shook the ground beneath our feet.
Context #2 | Noun

reason

A basis for belief or action

Synonyms

basis, foundation, reason.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ground

Used when referring to the surface of the earth or the solid material beneath your feet, or as a metaphor for providing a basis or area of thought.

  • We need to prepare the ground for planting
  • His arguments were well grounded in facts
basis

Refers to the underlying support or principle for an idea, argument, or process, usually abstract or theoretical.

  • The basis for her decision was the evidence presented during the trial
  • Love and trust are the basis of a strong marriage
foundation

Used when talking about the lowest load-bearing part of a building, or metaphorically for something that is fundamental and necessary for further development.

  • The foundation of the house needs to be very sturdy
  • The new school will provide a strong foundation for their education
reason

Used when referring to an explanation or justification for an action or belief, often implying logical thinking or causality.

  • What is the reason for your sudden departure? She had a good reason to be upset

Examples of usage

  • There is no ground for such accusations.
  • Her argument had no solid ground.
Context #3 | Verb

punish

To restrict someone's movements or activities

Synonyms

confine, punish, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ground

This term is often used by parents when they prohibit their children from going out as a form of punishment. It is frequently associated with disciplining children or teenagers.

  • Sarah was grounded for a week for coming home late.
  • My parents grounded me for failing my exams.
restrict

This term is used to indicate placing limitations or controls on something. It can be applied in regulations, rules, or personal boundaries.

  • They restricted access to the building for security reasons.
  • The new policy restricts the use of mobile phones in the office.
confine

Utilized in both physical and non-physical contexts, this term means to limit someone or something within certain bounds. It is applicable in medical, legal, and everyday contexts.

  • Doctors had to confine the patient to his bed during his recovery.
  • He felt confined by the small office space.
punish

This word is used to describe actions taken to make someone suffer for their wrongdoing. It has a negative connotation and can be applied in legal, parental, or educational settings.

  • The teacher decided to punish the student for cheating on the test.
  • Criminals should be punished for their crimes.

Examples of usage

  • He was grounded for a week for breaking curfew.
  • The teenager was grounded by her parents for skipping school.

Translations

Translations of the word "ground" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น chรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคญเฅ‚เคฎเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Boden

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tanah

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะทะตะผะปั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ziemia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅœฐ้ข (ใ˜ใ‚ใ‚“)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sol

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ suelo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท zemin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋•…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฃุฑุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zemฤ›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zem

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅœฐ้ข (dรฌmiร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tla

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ jรถrรฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒ˜แƒฌแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ torpaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ suelo

Etymology

The word 'ground' has Old English origins, with the noun meaning 'solid surface of the earth' dating back to the 9th century. It has evolved to also mean 'basis for belief or action' in the 14th century. The verb form 'to restrict someone's movements' emerged in the 15th century. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history, reflecting its dual nature as both a physical and metaphorical concept.

See also: background, groundbreaker, groundbreakers, groundbreaking, grounded, grounding, groundless, groundlessly, groundling, grounds, groundskeeper, groundskeeping, groundsman, groundwork, underground.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #375, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.