Hill: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "hill" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colina

🇮🇳 पहाड़ी

🇩🇪 Hügel

🇮🇩 bukit

🇺🇦 пагорб

🇵🇱 wzgórze

🇯🇵 丘 (おか, oka)

🇫🇷 colline

🇪🇸 colina

🇹🇷 tepe

🇰🇷 언덕 (eondeok)

🇸🇦 تل (tal)

🇨🇿 kopec

🇸🇰 kopec

🇨🇳 山丘 (shānqiū)

🇸🇮 hrib

🇮🇸 hóll

🇰🇿 төбе (töbe)

🇬🇪 ბორცვი (borcvi)

🇦🇿 təpə

🇲🇽 colina

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.