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Hold: meaning, definitions and examples

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hold

 

[həʊld ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

on to

Grasp, carry, or support with one's arms or hands; keep in one's possession.

Synonyms

carry, clasp, grasp, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hold

Use this word when you want to describe the action of keeping something in your hand or arms for a period of time. It can also refer to maintaining a particular state or condition.

  • Can you hold my bag while I tie my shoe?
  • The bridge can hold a lot of weight.
grasp

This word indicates taking something firmly and effectively with the hand, often quickly or eagerly.

  • He grasped the rope to prevent falling.
  • The child grasped her mother's hand tightly.
carry

This word is appropriate when you move something from one place to another, often in your hands or on your back.

  • She will carry the groceries from the car to the house.
  • I need someone to help me carry these boxes upstairs.
support

Use this word when referring to the act of holding something up or keeping it from falling, not necessarily with hands but through various means.

  • The columns support the roof of the building.
  • She needed a crutch to support her as she walked.
clasp

This word is used to describe the action of holding something tightly with fingers or hands, often suggesting a secure grip.

  • She clasped her hands together in nervousness.
  • He clasped the railing to keep from slipping.

Examples of usage

  • He was holding a brown leather suitcase.
  • She held the baby in her arms.
  • The boy held the kite string tightly.
Context #2 | Verb

keep

Keep or reserve for someone.

Synonyms

keep, reserve, save.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hold

This refers to maintaining a position or keeping something in place, especially in a stable condition.

  • Please hold the door open for me.
  • They need to hold their position until reinforcements arrive.
keep

This means to maintain possession of something or to continue doing an action.

  • Please keep this document safe.
  • He tends to keep all the gadgets he buys.
reserve

Used when setting something aside for future use, often in the context of booking or making arrangements.

  • We need to reserve a table for dinner tonight.
  • I've reserved a seat for you at the concert.
save

This is used when conserving something for future use or preventing waste and damage. It can also mean to rescue or protect.

  • You should save some money for the future.
  • He saved the cat from the tree.

Examples of usage

  • Please hold a table for us at the restaurant.
  • I'll hold a ticket for you at the box office.
Context #3 | Noun

on to

A grasp or grip.

Synonyms

clasp, grasp, grip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hold

General term for keeping something in your hand or arms. Used in many different situations.

  • Hold the baby carefully
  • Can you hold this for a moment?
grasp

Indicates a quick or determined hold, often used when trying to understand something or quickly grab it.

  • She grasped the rope just in time
  • Can you grasp the concept of this theory?
grip

Suggests a strong and tight hold, often used in more forceful or physical contexts.

  • He gripped the steering wheel tightly
  • The athlete’s powerful grip amazed everyone
clasp

Usually implies a firm and secure hold, often with both hands. Often used in more formal or emotional contexts.

  • He clasped her hands in a gesture of comfort
  • The child clasped the toy tightly to his chest

Examples of usage

  • She released her hold on the rope.
  • He tightened his hold on the steering wheel.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'hold' comes from Old English 'haldan', which means 'to keep' or 'to possess'.
  • In German, 'halten' means to hold, showing how languages can share roots.
  • Historically, 'hold' was often used in the context of containing or restraining something, like holding back a river.

Psychology

  • Holding hands is a common gesture that can improve feelings of trust and security between people.
  • Research shows that physical touch, like holding someone's arm, can reduce stress and anxiety.
  • The act of holding something can enhance focus and retention; students who hold objects while learning often remember better.

Cultural References

  • In many cultures, holding a particular item can symbolize responsibility, such as a child being 'held' in a family structure.
  • Songs like 'Hold Me' emphasize emotional connections, using the act of holding as a metaphor for love and support.
  • In various traditions, holding a ceremonial object can signify participation or acceptance in rituals.

Literature

  • Many authors use the act of holding as a powerful symbol of commitment or possession in their narratives.
  • In poetry, the idea of holding often intertwines with themes of love, loss, and memory, showcasing emotional depth.
  • Tales frequently depict characters 'holding on' during challenging times, representing resilience.

Science

  • Physicists describe 'hold' in terms of force and grip, studying how different materials can hold weight without collapsing.
  • The concept of grip strength in biology examines how effectively a living organism can hold onto objects in their environment.
  • Holding different objects can evoke varying sensory responses, with heavier items typically requiring more strength to hold.

Translations

Translations of the word "hold" in other languages:

🇵🇹 segurar

🇮🇳 पकड़ना

🇩🇪 halten

🇮🇩 menahan

🇺🇦 тримати

🇵🇱 trzymać

🇯🇵 保持する (hoji suru)

🇫🇷 tenir

🇪🇸 sostener

🇹🇷 tutmak

🇰🇷 잡다 (jabda)

🇸🇦 يمسك (yumsik)

🇨🇿 držet

🇸🇰 držať

🇨🇳 保持 (bǎochí)

🇸🇮 držati

🇮🇸 halda

🇰🇿 ұстау

🇬🇪 დაჭერა (dach'era)

🇦🇿 tutmaq

🇲🇽 sostener

Word Frequency Rank

At #655 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.