Grounding: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to bringing someone back to a stable, calm state, often in emotional or psychological contexts. It can also refer to providing a strong foundation or basis for something.

• After the heated argument, she needed some grounding
• The course provided a grounding in basic accounting principles

Typically used in contexts of finding focus and balance, both mentally and physically. It's often used in practices like meditation or yoga.

• He practiced deep breathing to aid in centering himself before the big presentation
• Activities like yoga and meditation help with centering

Used when describing actions meant to make something more steady, firm, or unchanging. It can be applied to physical objects, as well as financial or emotional states.

• The engineer's task was to stabilize the structure
• Financial support was crucial for stabilizing the company's budget

This term is often used in electrical engineering to describe the process of connecting electrical equipment to the ground to ensure safety and prevent electric shock.

• Proper grounding is essential for electrical safety.
• The technician checked the grounding of the equipment.

Mostly used in British English, 'earthing' means the same as 'grounding' in the context of connecting electrical circuits to the earth.

• In the UK, earthing is a critical aspect of electrical installations.
• Without proper earthing, the electrical system may pose a hazard.

This technical term refers to the specific physical connection made between electrical equipment and the ground, ensuring that surplus electricity is safely dissipated.

• A secure ground connection is vital to avoid electrical hazards.
• The electrician inspected the ground connection thoroughly.