Spring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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spring

[sprษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

season

Spring is one of the four seasons, typically occurring between winter and summer. It is known for its mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours. Spring is often associated with renewal, growth, and rejuvenation.

Synonyms

season of growth, springtime.

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Word Description / Examples
spring

Typically used to refer to the season that comes after winter and before summer. It is a common and everyday term.

  • The flowers bloom beautifully during spring
  • I love the fresh air of spring
springtime

Often used to evoke a sense of nostalgia or to express affection for the season. It carries a slightly poetic and romantic connotation.

  • Springtime always reminds me of our childhood picnics
  • There is something magical about springtime evenings
season of growth

Used in more formal or literary contexts to emphasize the idea of new beginnings, rejuvenation, and natural growth.

  • Farmers eagerly anticipate the season of growth
  • It's a season of growth for both plants and endeavors

Examples of usage

  • The trees start to bud in spring.
  • I love taking walks in the park during springtime.
Context #2 | Noun

mechanical device

In the context of a mechanical device, a spring is a flexible elastic object used to store mechanical energy. Springs are commonly used in various applications such as watches, mattresses, and vehicles.

Synonyms

coil, spiral.

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Word Description / Examples
spring

Used to describe a season, a mechanical device for storing energy, or something that happens suddenly or starts to move quickly.

  • Spring is my favorite season.
  • The mattress has a broken spring.
  • She sprang to her feet when she heard the noise.
coil

Used to describe something that is wound into a series of loops, often for wires or ropes.

  • He coiled the rope neatly before putting it away.
  • The snake coiled itself around the branch.
  • The electrical coil needs replacing.
spiral

Used to describe a shape or movement that twists and turns continuously around a central point, or a situation that gets progressively worse.

  • The staircase has a beautiful spiral design.
  • Smoke spiraled into the sky.
  • The company is caught in a financial spiral.

Examples of usage

  • The spring in the clock keeps it ticking.
  • The trampoline relies on the tension of the springs for bounce.
Context #3 | Verb

move suddenly or rapidly

As a verb, to spring means to move suddenly or rapidly in a particular direction. It can also refer to jumping or leaping. Spring is often used to describe a sudden action or movement.

Synonyms

jump, leap.

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Word Description / Examples
spring

Can also refer to a coil or elastic object that can be compressed and then return to its original shape, providing force or motion.

  • The mattress has a few broken springs.
  • He fixed the broken spring in his watch.
leap

Often describes a longer or more forceful jump, suggesting greater effort, distance, or height.

  • The deer made a graceful leap over the stream.
  • She took a leap of faith and moved to a new city.
jump

Commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of pushing oneself off the ground and into the air, often in a vertical direction.

  • Children love to jump on trampolines.
  • He had to jump over the puddle on his way to school.

Examples of usage

  • The cat sprang out of the box.
  • He sprang to his feet when he heard the news.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate spring with festivals, including Easter, which symbolizes new life and rebirth.
  • In Japan, the arrival of spring is marked by Hanami, the cherry blossom festival, celebrating fleeting beauty.
  • The ancient Persians celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, at the onset of spring, marking a new beginning.

Science

  • During spring, days get longer due to the tilt of the Earth's axis, allowing more sunlight for photosynthesis.
  • This season triggers various biological processes; plants start germinating and animals become more active.
  • Hibernation is a common adaptation for many animals; as temperatures rise, they awake and search for food.

Literature

  • Spring is often depicted as a metaphor for youth, renewal, and hope in poetry and literature, like in Shakespeareโ€™s works.
  • Many writers use spring's arrival to symbolize love and new beginnings in novels and stories.
  • In William Wordsworth's poetry, spring brings a sense of joy and inspiration, highlighting nature's beauty and vibrancy.

Art

  • Spring has inspired countless artists, from impressionists painting blooming gardens to modern pieces that celebrate growth.
  • In visual art, colors associated with spring โ€“ like pastels โ€“ often evoke feelings of freshness and warmth.
  • Notable works, like Claude Monet's 'Spring' series, capture the beauty of landscapes awakening after winter's slumber.

Origin of 'spring'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'spring' comes from the Old English term 'springan,' which means to leap or burst forth.
  • In different languages, 'spring' can carry similar meanings of jumping or awakening, reflecting its nature.
  • In some cultures, the term also refers to water sources that flow, connecting the season to renewal.

The word 'spring' originated from the Old English word 'springan', meaning 'to leap, burst forth, fly up'. It has been used to describe the season of spring since the 16th century. The concept of spring as a time of renewal and growth has been celebrated in various cultures throughout history.


See also: offspring, springer, springiness, springtime, springy.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,199, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.