Stump Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ณ
stump
[stสmp ]
Definitions
tree
The lower part of a tree left projecting from the ground after most of the trunk has fallen or been cut down.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stump |
Used to refer to the base part of a tree that remains after it has been felled. It can also mean being confused or puzzled by something.
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| rootstock |
Commonly used in horticulture to refer to the part of the plant, often a hardy root, onto which a graft is made. It is a very specific term and not often used in everyday language.
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| stub |
Used when referring to a short remaining part of something that was longer, such as a pencil, a cigarette, or a ticket. It can also imply rough or unfinished ends.
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| remnant |
Appropriate when referring to a small remaining part or quantity of something, often after the greater part has been used, removed, or destroyed.
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Examples of usage
- The tree stump made a perfect seat for the weary hiker.
- The children used the tree stump as a makeshift table for their picnic.
politics
A political candidate who has little chance of winning an election.
Synonyms
long shot, outsider, underdog.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stump |
Use this word when someone or something is causing you to be puzzled or confused. It's often used when you can't think of a solution or answer.
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| underdog |
This term refers to a person or team that is expected to lose or is at a disadvantage but may inspire sympathy or support from others. It often has a positive connotation and can evoke feelings of hope or rooting for the less likely to win.
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| long shot |
This term is appropriate when referring to an attempt or effort that has a very low chance of success. It often carries a sense of taking a gamble or making a risky decision.
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| outsider |
Use this word when describing someone who does not belong to a particular group, community, or team. It often emphasizes the idea of being excluded or different.
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Examples of usage
- The third-party candidate was seen as a stump by many voters.
- The young newcomer was dismissed as a stump by the seasoned politicians.
speech
To speak in a direct, forceful, and often clumsy or awkward manner.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| stump |
Used in the context of a political campaign when a candidate travels around to give speeches and meet voters.
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| campaign |
Typically used to describe organized efforts to achieve a particular goal, often political, marketing, or social.
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| advocate |
Appropriate when supporting a specific cause or idea, often involving arguments or public statements.
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| promote |
Best suited for describing efforts to raise awareness or encourage the acceptance of a product, idea, or behavior.
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Examples of usage
- The politician stumped for votes in the rural areas.
- She stumped the audience with her passionate speech.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Tree stumps can serve as habitats for various insects and organisms, creating ecosystems in forests.
- They can also sprout new growth if the conditions are right, an example of a tree's resilience.
- Decomposing stumps enrich the soil with nutrients, supporting new plant life around them.
Literature
- In literature, stumps often symbolize loss or the end of something, like a story or a character's journey.
- In many cultures, stumps are used in stories to represent the remnants of life and the cycle of growth and decay.
- Poets frequently use stumps to evoke nostalgia and memory, as they serve as markers of what once was.
Culture
- Stumps can be found in folklore, often representing a place for community gatherings or storytelling.
- In some traditions, seats made from stumps serve as outdoor furniture, connecting people to nature.
- Artisans may use stumps to create rustic furniture or sculptures, showcasing natureโs beauty and utility.
Pop Culture
- Stumps have been featured in various movies and shows as settings for important scenes or transformations.
- In children's cartoons, stumps are often animated as character homes, adding a whimsical feel to the story.
- The phrase 'stump the experts' emerged in quiz shows, drawing a playful connection to the confusion 'stumps' can cause.
Origin of 'stump'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old English 'stumpa', which originally meant 'to stump' or 'to stop'.
- Historically, 'stump' also referred to a physical obstacle, linking to its current meaning of tree residue.
- The term has evolved over the centuries, originally describing any truncated object before focusing on trees.
The word 'stump' originated from the Old English word 'stump' or 'stumpian', which referred to the base of a tree after it had been cut. Over time, the term expanded to include various other meanings, such as a political candidate with little chance of winning. The word has been used in the English language for centuries, evolving in both its literal and metaphorical usages.