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Resources Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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resources

[ˈriːsɔːsɪz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

natural

a source of supply or support; an available means

Synonyms

assets, funds, materials.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
resources

This term is broad and can refer to anything that can be used to support a goal, including money, people, time, or materials. Ideal for general or abstract situations.

  • The company must allocate its resources wisely to achieve its objectives
  • Educational resources are essential for student success
assets

Refers specifically to valuable items owned by an individual or organization that can contribute to future profits or advantages. Often used in business or financial contexts.

  • The company's assets include real estate, machinery, and intellectual property
  • Diversifying your assets can help mitigate financial risk
funds

Relates specifically to money that is available for a particular purpose. Mostly used when talking about financial aspects directly.

  • We need additional funds to complete the project
  • The charity event successfully raised funds for the hospital
materials

Refers to physical substances or items that are used to create or build something. Common in manufacturing, construction, or educational contexts.

  • We need more construction materials to finish the building
  • The teacher handed out all the necessary materials for the art project

Examples of usage

  • We need to allocate our resources wisely.
  • The company has limited resources to invest in new projects.
Context #2 | Noun

academic

materials or other assets that can be used for research or study

Synonyms

materials, references, tools.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
resources

Used in general situations to refer to various types of assets that can be utilized, such as money, personnel, or information.

  • The project was delayed because they lacked the necessary resources.
  • Natural resources like water and forests are essential for human survival.
references

Used when referring to sources of information, documents, or people that provide authority or evidence. Often used in academic, professional, or formal contexts.

  • Please cite all your references at the end of your research paper.
  • He provided excellent professional references during his job application.
materials

Refers specifically to physical substances or items that are used to make something. Commonly used in manufacturing, construction, and education.

  • We need more raw materials to produce the final product.
  • The teacher handed out learning materials to the students.
tools

Refers to instruments or software used to carry out a specific task or function. Whether in physical or digital form, tools are essential for performing work.

  • A hammer is one of the most basic tools in a toolbox.
  • Graphic designers use various tools like Adobe Photoshop to create stunning visuals.

Examples of usage

  • The library has a wide range of resources available for students.
  • Online databases are valuable resources for academic research.
Context #3 | Noun

online

a website, book, or other information source

Synonyms

database, reference, source.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
resources

Used when referring to assets or materials that can be utilized to achieve a goal.

  • The company provided all necessary resources for the project.
  • We need more resources to complete the construction.
source

Refers to the origin or provider of information, materials, or energy.

  • We need to cite the source of this information.
  • The river is the main source of water for the village.
reference

Often used when mentioning sources of information or citing works in academic or professional contexts.

  • You must include proper references in your research paper.
  • As a reference, you can look up the book I mentioned earlier.
database

Used in technical or information contexts where structured data is stored and can be accessed.

  • The database contains all the customer information.
  • We need to update the database with the latest records.

Examples of usage

  • This website is a great resource for learning about history.
  • The encyclopedia is a valuable resource for general knowledge.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Economics

  • Economists categorize resources into three types: natural resources (like water and minerals), human resources (people's skills), and capital resources (tools and machinery).
  • Scarcity of resources requires careful planning and allocation to meet society's needs, forming the basis of economic theory.
  • The study of how resources are distributed is a key aspect of sustainable development, aiming to balance use and conservation.

Education

  • In the classroom, teachers use various resources such as textbooks, videos, and online tools to enhance learning experiences.
  • Educational resources are vital for learners, offering diverse ways to access information and foster creativity.
  • The rise of digital resources, like e-books and online courses, has revolutionized how knowledge is shared and accessed worldwide.

Technology

  • Technological resources include hardware, software, and the internet, which are crucial for innovation and efficiency in today’s world.
  • Open-source resources allow anyone to use and modify software for free, promoting collaboration and community-driven development.
  • Cloud computing has transformed how businesses access resources, providing flexibility and scalability for operations.

Environmental Science

  • Natural resources are vital for life, but their overuse can lead to environmental challenges such as climate change and habitat loss.
  • Renewable resources can be replenished naturally, such as sunlight and wind, making them key to sustainable living.
  • Preserving ecosystems ensures a continuous supply of resources for future generations and maintains biodiversity.

Origin of 'resources'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French 'ressource,' which means 'to rise again,' hinting at its role in restoration and support.
  • Originally, the term was used in the context of physical items, but has expanded to include knowledge and skills.
  • The concept evolved during the Industrial Revolution, highlighting the importance of materials and manpower for production.

The word 'resource' originated from the Latin word 'resurgere', which means 'to rise again'. In the 17th century, the term evolved to refer to a 'means of supplying a want or deficiency'. Over time, it expanded to encompass various contexts such as natural resources, academic resources, and online resources. Today, 'resource' is widely used to denote a source of support, supply, or information.

See also: resource, resourceful, resourcefully, resourcefulness.

Word Frequency Rank

At #703 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.