Saw Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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saw

[sษ”ห ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Saw is the simple past form of the verb 'see', which means to perceive with the eyes. It indicates that the action of seeing has already been completed.

Synonyms

noticed, observed, witnessed.

Examples of usage

  • I saw a beautiful sunset yesterday.
  • She saw a movie last night.
  • We saw the Eiffel Tower during our trip.
  • He saw his friend at the park.
  • They saw a shooting star.
Context #2 | Noun

hand tool

A saw is a hand or power tool that uses a tough blade to cut through material, usually wood. It typically features a jagged edge that allows for efficient cutting.

Synonyms

circular saw, cutter, hand saw.

Examples of usage

  • He used a saw to cut the wood for the shelves.
  • The carpenter has a variety of saws in his workshop.
  • She carefully handled the saw to avoid accidents.
  • The tree was felled using a chainsaw.
  • We need a saw to complete this project.

Translations

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

Origin of 'saw'

The word 'saw' originates from the Old English term 'seaw,' which has roots in Germanic language. The Germanic word 'sagรด' referred to a tool used for cutting. Over time, 'saw' evolved in Middle English as 'sawe.' The term has retained its form and meaning into modern English, signifying both the past tense of 'see' and a tool used for cutting. As a verb, 'saw' has been in use since the 14th century, whereas the noun form, representing the cutting tool, came into more widespread use in the 15th century. The dual meaning of the word reflects both the action of seeing and the physical object used for cutting, illustrating the rich history of language development and the evolution of words over centuries.


Word Frequency Rank

With position #447, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.