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Pound Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ท
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pound

[paสŠnd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

unit of weight

A unit of weight in the imperial system equal to 16 ounces or 0.4536 kilograms.

Synonyms

lb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pound

This term can refer to both a unit of weight and a unit of currency in the UK. It's used in everyday conversation and writings when mentioning weight or discussing British money specifically.

  • I bought a pound of apples at the market.
  • She paid thirty pounds for that dress.
lb

This abbreviation is commonly used in more formal or precise contexts, such as recipes, nutritional labels, and scientific measurements. It's also used for clarity in contexts where space is limited, like on packaging.

  • The recipe calls for 2 lbs of sugar.
  • Each package weighs 1.5 lbs.

Examples of usage

  • She bought a pound of apples.
  • The package weighed two pounds.
Context #2 | Noun

currency

The basic monetary unit of the United Kingdom, equal to 100 pence.

Synonyms

sterling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pound

This can refer to the unit of currency used in the United Kingdom, or it can mean a unit of weight equal to 16 ounces. It can also mean to strike something repeatedly with force. The meaning will depend on the context of the sentence.

  • I need to exchange my dollars for pounds before my trip to London.
  • This package weighs five pounds.
  • The drummer began to pound on the drums loudly.
sterling

This term is specifically used to refer to British currency, typically when distinguishing the value and authenticity of the currency. It can also describe something of excellent quality.

  • I need to check the exchange rate for pounds sterling before converting my money.
  • Her sterling performance earned her a standing ovation.

Examples of usage

  • He exchanged his dollars for British pounds.
  • The price was listed in pounds.
Context #3 | Verb

strike heavily

To hit or strike with great force, typically with one's fist or an object.

Synonyms

beat, hit, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pound

Best suited for situations where something is being hit repeatedly with great force.

  • He pounded the table in frustration.
  • Rain pounded on the roof all night.
hit

Used in a general sense for striking something or someone, often with a single blow. Can also mean achieving or experiencing something suddenly.

  • He hit the nail with a hammer.
  • I accidentally hit my head on the door frame.
  • Her performance really hit the mark.
strike

Often used in formal or professional contexts, it refers to hitting something or someone with precision. Can also suggest an organized work stoppage.

  • The clock struck midnight.
  • The workers decided to go on strike.
beat

Typically used when talking about hitting something or someone repeatedly, or in the context of winning against someone. It can also have a negative connotation when referring to physical harm.

  • He beat the drum rhythmically.
  • The boxer beat his opponent in the final round.
  • She was beaten by bullies at school.

Examples of usage

  • He pounded the table in frustration.
  • The waves pounded against the shore.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Currency

  • In the UK, the pound is represented by the symbol 'ยฃ' and is one of the oldest currencies still in use today.
  • The term 'pound' as currency can be traced back to the value of a pound weight of silver in the 775 AD era.

Nutrition

  • One pound of body weight is roughly equal to 3,500 calories, highlighting the relationship between energy intake and body weight.
  • The conversion from pounds to kilograms (1 pound = 0.453592 kg) is important in nutrition for dietary guidelines.

Weights and Measures

  • In the United States, pounds are the standard unit for measuring weight or mass, used commonly in food packaging.
  • The use of pounds as a weight measure dates back to the Roman Empire, where they used a similar system based on ounces.

Culture

  • The phrase 'pound the pavement' means to walk or travel on foot, highlighting physical effort.
  • In cooking, a 'pound' cake traditionally was made with one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, showing a strong cultural recipe link.

Origin of 'pound'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pound' comes from the Latin word 'pondo', meaning 'weight'.
  • In Old English, 'pound' was called 'pund', which was adapted from the Latin and became used in various measurements.
  • The symbol for pound, 'lb', also comes from 'libra', which is Latin for balance or scales.

The word 'pound' has a long history, originating from the Latin word 'libra pondo' meaning 'a pound weight'. It has been used for centuries as a unit of weight and later as a currency. The symbol 'ยฃ' for the British pound comes from the letter 'L' for the Latin word 'libra', which also means 'scales'. Pound as a verb shares its origins with the noun, referring to the action of striking with force.

See also: impound, pounding.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,860, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.