Rim: meaning, definitions and examples

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rim

 

[ rɪm ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

ancient

The circular outer edge of a wheel for holding the tyre.

Synonyms

border, brim, edge, perimeter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rim

Rim is typically applied to the outer part of circular or curved objects like wheels, glasses, or bowls.

  • She carefully traced the rim of the drinking glass with her finger.
  • The bike's rim was bent after the accident.
edge

Edge refers to the boundary line or the outermost part of an object, which can be straight or curved. It's a general term that can apply to a variety of contexts, from tables to cliffs.

  • Be careful standing so close to the edge of the cliff.
  • He placed the book at the edge of the desk.
border

Border refers to the dividing line or area between two regions, countries, or surfaces. It can also mean the edge of an area such as a garden or a fabric.

  • The country tightened security at the border.
  • She added a decorative border around the edge of the tablecloth.
perimeter

Perimeter usually refers to the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure or area. It's commonly used in more technical or formal contexts like mathematics or security.

  • The soldiers were instructed to secure the perimeter of the base.
  • Calculate the perimeter of the rectangle by adding up all the sides.
brim

Brim is often used to describe the edge of a container, especially when it is full or nearly full. It can also refer to the projecting edge of a hat.

  • The cup was filled to the brim with coffee.
  • She tilted the brim of her hat to block the sun.

Examples of usage

  • The rim of the bicycle wheel was damaged.
  • She held onto the rim of the steering wheel tightly.
  • He painted the rims of his car wheels black.
  • The rim of the glass was decorated with gold.
Context #2 | Noun

basketball

The metal hoop from which the net is suspended and through which the ball must pass in order for a goal to be scored.

Synonyms

hoop, ring.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rim

This is a duplication and can be omitted or referred to the same context and examples as the first 'rim'.

  • Refer to the first 'rim' entry.
hoop

This word is often used in the context of sports, particularly basketball, to describe the circular frame or the goal. It can also describe circular bands used in various crafts or activities.

  • He made a perfect shot through the hoop.
  • She used wooden hoops to create her embroidery frames.
ring

This word is used to describe a circular piece of jewelry worn on fingers or any circular band or structure. It can also refer to a circular sound, like when a telephone rings.

  • She wore a beautiful diamond ring.
  • I heard the ring of the doorbell.

Examples of usage

  • He scored a three-pointer from beyond the rim.
  • The ball bounced off the rim and went out of bounds.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To provide (a wheel) with a new tire.

Synonyms

equip, tire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rim

Use this word when referring to the outer circular edge of something, often related to wheels, containers, glasses, or even geographical features like craters. It's the boundary or edge around an object.

  • He polished the rim of the antique vase.
  • The rim of the wheel was slightly bent.
tire

Use 'tire' when referring to the rubber covering around a wheel. It can also mean to exhaust or fatigue someone. The context should clarify whether it's about the car part or experiencing fatigue.

  • The car needs new tires.
  • The long journey tired the children.
equip

This word means to provide someone or something with necessary tools, supplies, or skills for a particular purpose. It's often used in contexts related to preparing for an activity or task.

  • They equipped the hikers with maps and water bottles.
  • The school is equipped with modern technology.

Examples of usage

  • I need to rim my bike before the race.

Translations

Translations of the word "rim" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aro

🇮🇳 रिम

🇩🇪 Felge

🇮🇩 pelek

🇺🇦 обод

🇵🇱 obręcz

🇯🇵 リム (rimu)

🇫🇷 jante

🇪🇸 aro

🇹🇷 jant

🇰🇷 림 (rim)

🇸🇦 حافة (hafat)

🇨🇿 ráfek

🇸🇰 ráfik

🇨🇳 轮辋 (lún wǎng)

🇸🇮 platišče

🇮🇸 felga

🇰🇿 дөңгелек жиегі

🇬🇪 ბორბალი

🇦🇿 çərçivə

🇲🇽 aro

Etymology

The word 'rim' originated from the Old English word 'rym' which meant 'edge'. Over time, it evolved to refer to the circular outer edge of various objects such as wheels and containers. The use of 'rim' in the context of basketball also emerged to describe the metal hoop through which the ball must pass to score a goal. In modern usage, 'rim' continues to be a versatile word used in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

See also: rims.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,450 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.