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Hill Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hill

[hɪl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

landscape

A naturally raised area of land, not as high or craggy as a mountain.

Synonyms

eminence, knoll, mound.

Examples of usage

  • They hiked to the top of the hill for a beautiful view of the valley below.
  • The children rolled down the grassy hill in the park.
Context #2 | Noun

geography

A sloping piece of road or trail.

Synonyms

incline, rise, slope.

Examples of usage

  • The cyclists struggled to pedal up the steep hill.
  • The car struggled to climb the icy hill in the winter.
Context #3 | Noun

sports

A strategic advantage in sports such as cycling and running.

Synonyms

ascent, elevation, gradient.

Examples of usage

  • He gained a lead on the final hill of the race.
  • The team used the hill to their advantage in the soccer match.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geography

  • Hills often play an important role in ecosystems, providing habitats for many plants and animals that thrive in varying elevations.
  • Notable hills like the Seven Hills of Rome have significant historical and cultural importance, symbolizing the founding of cities.

Cultural Significance

  • In literature and poetry, hills often symbolize challenges to overcome or journeys to embark upon, representing both literal and metaphorical ascents.
  • Hills are featured in many folk tales where they serve as the backdrop for adventures, such as the tales of Little Red Riding Hood.

Recreation and Sports

  • Hills provide excellent locations for outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, and sledding, making them popular leisure spots.
  • In many places, competitive sports like hill climbing or trail running are held, testing endurance and skill on steep terrains.

Environmental Aspects

  • Hills can impact climate and weather patterns; they may create rain shadows, affecting nearby regions' rainfall and temperature.
  • The process of erosion and sediment deposition on hills contributes to soil fertility, which is vital for agriculture.

Origin of 'hill'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hill' comes from the Old English word 'hyll', which is related to the German word 'Hügel', meaning a small mound or knoll.
  • Historically, this term has been used since around the year 1000 AD to describe a natural elevation of the earth's surface.

The word 'hill' originated from the Old English word 'hyll', which is related to the Old Norse 'hjallr' and the Gothic 'hulundi'. The concept of hills has been significant in human history, often serving as locations for settlements, fortifications, or religious purposes. Hills have been featured in myths, folklore, and literature as symbols of challenges, obstacles, or elevated perspectives.

See also: hillbilly, hillock, hillwalking.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,835, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.