Rack: meaning, definitions and examples

This term can also be used to describe a support structure specifically for clothes or accessories.

• The store has a sale; all items on the clothing rack are 50% off.
• He quickly grabbed a shirt from the rack before heading out.

Refers to an upright support structure, often used to hold items at a convenient height for use or display.

• He set his music on the stand before starting to play.
• The artist displayed her sculptures on elegant stands.

Commonly used to describe a flat, horizontal surface used for storing or displaying items, typically attached to a wall or within a piece of furniture.

• Place the books on the shelf in the living room.
• The spices are neatly organized on the kitchen shelf.

Refers to an object designed to hold a specific item or group of items, often used for smaller or more specialized items.

• I bought a new toothbrush holder for the bathroom.
• She uses a pencil holder to keep her desk organized.

This word is often used to describe someone being subjected to severe mental or physical strain. It has a negative connotation when referring to pain, distress, or torture.

• The guilt continued to rack him every night.
• Her body was racked with pain after the accident.

This word is used to describe situations where someone faces difficulty or makes a great effort to overcome a problem. It often has a connotation of hardship or resistance.

• She struggled to understand the complicated instructions.
• The team struggled against their rivals but eventually won the match.

This word is suitable for formal contexts. It means to apply effort or influence, usually to achieve a specific outcome.

• She had to exert a lot of effort to lift the heavy box.
• The company exerted pressure on the government to change the law.

Commonly used in informal situations, it means to apply force to move something away or to make an extra effort to achieve a goal.

• He had to push the car up the hill.
• She decided to push herself harder to meet the deadline.