Ground Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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ground
[ษกraสnd ]
Definitions
surface
The solid surface of the earth; firm or dry land
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| soil |
Refers specifically to the upper layer of earth in which plants grow, often in agricultural or gardening contexts.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- She sat on the ground and watched the sunset.
- The earthquake shook the ground beneath our feet.
reason
A basis for belief or action
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| basis |
Refers to the underlying support or principle for an idea, argument, or process, usually abstract or theoretical.
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| 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.
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| reason |
Used when referring to an explanation or justification for an action or belief, often implying logical thinking or causality.
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Examples of usage
- There is no ground for such accusations.
- Her argument had no solid ground.
punish
To restrict someone's movements or activities
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| restrict |
This term is used to indicate placing limitations or controls on something. It can be applied in regulations, rules, or personal boundaries.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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Examples of usage
- He was grounded for a week for breaking curfew.
- The teenager was grounded by her parents for skipping school.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In environmental science, different types of ground, like soil, support various ecosystems and plant growth.
- The ground acts as a natural filter, helping to clean water as it seeps through the soil layers.
Literature
- In many literary works, the ground is often depicted as a symbol of connection to nature and the earth.
- Ground imagery appears frequently in poetry, representing both emotional stability and physical presence.
Cultural Significance
- In various cultures, the ground is revered as sacred, with rituals performed to honor the land.
- Ground-dwelling animals, like rabbits and moles, are important in folklore, often representing resourcefulness and adaptability.
Physics
- Grounding in physics refers to the connection of electrical circuits to the earth, ensuring safety by preventing electrical shock.
- The concept of 'ground' is crucial in understanding electrical systems and how they operate safely.
Origin of 'ground'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'ground' comes from the Old English term 'grund,' which meant 'bottom' or 'foundation.'
- In earlier times, 'ground' was also used in poetry to represent stability and safety.
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.