Hinge Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
hinge
[hษชndส ]
Definitions
on a door
A movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, or lid swings as it opens and closes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hinge |
Primarily used when talking about door mechanisms or anything that swings open or closed, such as gates or lids.
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| joint |
Commonly used to refer to the connection between two bones in the body, but can also describe any place where two parts meet and move together.
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| pivot |
Usually refers to something that rotates or turns around a fixed point, both in physical and metaphorical contexts.
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| articulation |
Often used in a more formal or technical sense when discussing the way two parts are connected or the way joints move, commonly in anatomy or machinery.
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Examples of usage
- She carefully oiled the hinges of the door to stop it from creaking.
- The hinges on the gate were rusty and difficult to open.
figurative
A central point or principle on which everything depends.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hinge |
A hinge is often used to describe a crucial point or a pivotal element that something depends on or revolves around.
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| center |
Center refers to the middle point or central area of something, often used in geographical, organizational, or contextual settings.
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| core |
Core implies the most fundamental, essential part of something, often used in discussions about beliefs, principles, or key components.
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| heart |
Heart is used metaphorically to describe the innermost, most vital part of something, often conveying emotional or central importance.
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Examples of usage
- Trust is the hinge of any successful relationship.
- Mutual respect is the hinge on which our partnership is built.
to attach with a hinge
To attach or join with or as if with a hinge.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hinge |
Typically used when referring to a movable mechanism that allows an object to swing, such as a door. Can also describe a central or crucial point.
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| attach |
Used when one item is fastened or joined to another, often temporarily. Commonly refers to physical connections or adding documents to an email.
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| connect |
Used for establishing a link or relationship between two or more elements, items, or people. Can be physical or metaphorical in nature.
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| join |
Refers to linking or bringing multiple items or people together to form a single unit or group. Can be physical in the case of objects or social when referring to participation in activities.
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Examples of usage
- The carpenter hinged the door to the frame.
- She hinged the lid of the box shut.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- Hinges have been used since ancient times, with evidence found in Egyptian tombs dating back to 3000 BC.
- The pivot-hinge design greatly influenced architecture, enabling the construction of better doorways in castles and homes.
Science
- Hinges operate on the principle of levers and provide mechanical advantage, making them crucial in engineering designs.
- Some animal joints, like those in our elbows and knees, serve a similar function to hinges, allowing movement in one direction.
Pop Culture
- The phrase 'keeping something hinged' has been used in pop culture to denote maintaining a connection or relationship.
- In films, hinge-related sound effects often emphasize suspense, especially when a door creaks open in a horror scene.
Technology
- Modern technology has led to the development of smart hinges that can automatically close or lock, integrating security with convenience.
- The design of designer hinges has become an element of aesthetics in contemporary architecture, influencing how spaces look and feel.
Origin of 'hinge'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'hinge' comes from the Old English 'hฤng', which means 'to hang', relating to how a door hangs on it.
- Similar words in other languages, like the German 'Scharnier', show how universally important this simple invention is.
The word 'hinge' originated in the late Middle English period, derived from the Old French word 'henge', meaning 'hook, hinge'. The concept of a hinge has been essential in the development of doors, gates, and other movable structures throughout history, providing a mechanism for smooth opening and closing motions.