Hinges Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hinges

[หˆhษชndส’ษชz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

door hardware

A jointed or flexible device on which a door, gate, or lid swings as it opens and closes.

Synonyms

articulation, joints, pivot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hinges

Typically refers to mechanical devices that allow doors, lids, or gates to swing open and closed.

  • The old door swung open on rusty hinges.
  • The cabinet hinges need oiling.
joints

Commonly used to refer to the connections between parts of the body, such as bones, or in a mechanical sense to describe connections between any parts or pieces.

  • He has pain in his knee joints.
  • The pipe joints were sealed tightly to prevent leaks.
pivot

Describes a fixed point that something rotates around, can also be used metaphorically to describe a significant change in a plan or strategy.

  • The gate turns on a central pivot.
  • The company's decision to pivot to online sales saved it from bankruptcy.
articulation

Used in anatomy to describe the connection between bones, or in linguistics to describe the clarity of speech.

  • Good articulation is important for clear communication.
  • The elbow is an articulation between the upper and lower arm bones.

Examples of usage

  • The hinges on the door were rusty and creaked loudly.
  • She carefully lubricated the hinges to ensure the door would swing smoothly.
  • The hinges of the gate were broken, making it difficult to open and close.
  • I need to replace the hinges on my cabinet as they are no longer functioning properly.
Context #2 | Verb

dependency

To depend on; to be contingent on; to turn on.

Synonyms

depend, rely, rest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hinges

Use 'hinges' to describe a situation where an outcome is determined by a particular factor or event, often implying that it's quite crucial.

  • 'The success of the business hinges on the new product launch
  • '
depend

Use 'depend' when indicating that something is influenced or controlled by another factor or condition. Itโ€™s more general and can be used in various contexts.

  • 'Your grade will depend on how well you perform on the final exam
  • '
rely

Use 'rely' when you want to express trust or dependence on someone or something for help or support.

  • 'I rely on my friends for emotional support
  • '
rest

Use 'rest' in a metaphoric sense to suggest that a situation or decision is based on or supported by something specific.

  • 'The decision to hire him rests on his extensive experience
  • '

Examples of usage

  • The success of the project hinges on securing funding.
  • Her decision to accept the job offer hinges on the salary and benefits package.
  • Our plans for the weekend hinge on the weather forecast.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • Ancient civilizations used wooden and metal hinges in their door constructions as early as 2000 BC.
  • In medieval times, decorated iron hinges became a symbol of craftsmanship on castle doors.

Engineering

  • Hinges come in many designs, including butt, continuous, and piano hinges, each serving different purposes.
  • Modern technology has led to the development of invisible hinges that are hidden within furniture for a sleek look.

Pop Culture

  • In popular films and stories, doors creaking on rusty hinges often signal something spooky lurking behind them.
  • Hinges are sometimes symbolically used in literature to represent transitions, like moving from one stage of life to another.

Physics

  • Hinges operate using the principles of pivot points and rotational motion, allowing smooth movement.
  • The torque applied at a hinge is what determines how easily a door opens or closes, which can affect the design and strength of the hinge used.

Origin of 'hinges'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'enge', which means to fasten or hold together.
  • Middle English used 'hinge' to describe a pivoting connection before it evolved to its current form.

The word 'hinges' has its origin in Old English 'henge' meaning 'hanging'. It has evolved over the years to refer to the jointed or flexible devices used for doors and gates. The concept of hinges dates back to ancient times when various mechanisms were developed to facilitate the opening and closing of doors. Today, hinges play a crucial role in the functionality of doors, gates, cabinets, and other objects that require swinging or rotating movement.


See also: hinge, unhinge.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,331, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.