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Stuff: meaning, definitions and examples

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stuff

 

[stʌf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

things or materials

Various items, materials, or things, especially when they are considered together as a group.

Synonyms

items, materials, things.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stuff

Use 'stuff' when talking informally about a collection of things that may not be specifically defined. It often carries a casual or conversational tone.

  • I have to pack my stuff before we leave.
  • There's a lot of stuff in the garage.
things

'Things' is a very general term that can be used in informal conversation to describe a group of objects, activities, or concepts. It is useful when the details are not the focus.

  • Can you help me carry some things upstairs?
  • There are many things to consider.
items

'Items' is appropriate when referring to individual, countable objects. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, especially when enumerating or listing.

  • The store has many items on sale.
  • I need to put these items on my to-do list.
materials

'Materials' is best used when referring to raw substances or fabric that are used to make something. It is often found in academic, technical, or professional contexts.

  • We need to buy more materials for the construction.
  • The art class requires a list of materials.

Examples of usage

  • She packed her stuff and left the house.
  • He had a lot of stuff to carry with him.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A particular kind of substance or material.

Synonyms

element, material, substance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stuff

Used informally to refer to items, objects, or substances when the specifics are not important.

  • I need to pack my stuff before the trip.
  • There's some paint stuff in the garage.
substance

Used to refer to physical matter of which a thing consists, often used in scientific, medical, or legal contexts.

  • The laboratory is testing an unknown substance found on the crime scene.
  • Water is a substance essential for life.
material

Used to refer to physical substances that things can be made from, often in the context of construction, manufacturing, or textiles.

  • This table is made of high-quality wood material.
  • We need to order more fabric material for the costumes.
element

Used to refer to a basic or essential part of something, often in a scientific or technical context.

  • Hydrogen is the lightest element in the periodic table.
  • Understanding the basic elements of design is crucial for this project.

Examples of usage

  • This sauce is made of spicy stuff.
  • I don't know what's in this stuff, but it tastes good.
Context #3 | Verb

informal

To fill or pack tightly with something.

Synonyms

cram, fill, pack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stuff

Also suitable for general use, presenting a colloquial or informal sense when referring to placing items into something.

  • Can you stuff these papers into the envelope? He stuffed his hands into his pockets
fill

Used when something is being made full, usually in a more orderly or complete manner. It can also be used in abstract contexts.

  • Please fill the bottle with water
  • He filled the form out carefully
pack

Often used for putting items together in a systematic or organized way, especially for travel or storage.

  • She packed her suitcase for the trip
  • Make sure to pack all your school supplies
cram

Typically used when putting items into a space in a way that they barely fit, often implying an urgency or messiness.

  • I had to cram all my books into the small locker
  • They crammed the last few belongings into the car before leaving

Examples of usage

  • She stuffs her bag with clothes for the trip.
  • He stuffed the turkey with herbs and spices.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Old French 'estoffe', meaning material or fabric.
  • It entered the English language in the late 14th century and was initially related to the idea of furnishing or equipping.
  • Over time, it became more generalized, encompassing a wide range of physical items.

Cultural Usage

  • 'Stuff' often appears in idiomatic expressions such as 'stuffed up' to describe congestion or 'stuff happens' to signify unexpected events.
  • In pop culture, the phrase 'the good stuff' is commonly used to refer to high-quality items, especially in advertising.
  • 'Stuff' is frequently used in informal settings, highlighting its flexibility as a term to refer to various objects.

Psychology

  • The concept of 'stuff' can trigger feelings of nostalgia, as people associate the term with collections of memories and experiences.
  • Cluttered environments filled with 'stuff' can affect mental health, often causing stress or anxiety for some individuals.
  • Psychologists suggest that decluttering 'stuff' can lead to a sense of accomplishment and clarity.

Literature

  • Writers often use 'stuff' as a device to create an informal tone in dialogue, making speech sound more relatable and authentic.
  • In children's literature, the word is frequently employed to engage young readers by simplifying descriptions.
  • Authors sometimes personify 'stuff' to explore themes of materialism versus minimalism in modern storytelling.

Science

  • 'Stuff' can refer to any matter that has mass and takes up space, covering the fundamental principles of physics.
  • In chemistry, 'stuff' might represent various substances or compounds when simplifying explanations for beginners.
  • Recent scientific studies emphasize the universal nature of 'stuff', indicating that everything around us is made up of smaller particles.

Translations

Translations of the word "stuff" in other languages:

🇵🇹 coisas

🇮🇳 सामान

🇩🇪 Sachen

🇮🇩 barang-barang

🇺🇦 речі

🇵🇱 rzeczy

🇯🇵 もの

🇫🇷 choses

🇪🇸 cosas

🇹🇷 şeyler

🇰🇷 물건

🇸🇦 أشياء

🇨🇿 věci

🇸🇰 veci

🇨🇳 东西

🇸🇮 stvari

🇮🇸 hlutir

🇰🇿 заттар

🇬🇪 ნივთები

🇦🇿 şeylər

🇲🇽 cosas

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,786, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.