Wall Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🧱
wall
[wɔːl ]
Definitions
building material
A structure of stone, brick, or other materials built to enclose or divide an area, typically with a roof and walls.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wall |
A wall is used to describe a solid structure that divides or encloses an area, typically made of stone or brick. It is commonly used in both indoor and outdoor settings.
|
| barrier |
A barrier is often used to describe something that obstructs or prevents movement or access. It can be physical or metaphorical.
|
| partition |
A partition is used to refer to a structure that divides a space into separate areas, often used indoors for dividing rooms or workspaces. It is usually not as solid or permanent as a wall.
|
| fence |
A fence is usually a structure that encloses an area, typically outdoors, and is made of posts connected by boards, wire, or rails. It is often used for marking boundaries and providing security.
|
Examples of usage
- The Great Wall of China is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- They are building a new wall around the garden to keep the animals out.
defense
A defensive or protective barrier or fortification.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wall |
A general term for any physical or metaphorical barrier that separates or protects.
|
| rampart |
Refers specifically to a wide bank of earth, often topped by a wall, that is built to protect a place.
|
| bulwark |
Used to describe something that acts as a strong, supportive defense, both literally and metaphorically.
|
| bastion |
Often used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that strongly defends or upholds particular principles or practices.
|
Examples of usage
- The soldiers hid behind the wall to protect themselves from enemy fire.
- The castle was surrounded by high walls to defend against invaders.
obstacle
Something that serves to prevent the passage or progress of something.
Synonyms
hindrance, impediment, obstruction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| wall |
Often used to describe a physical barrier or a significant obstacle, either literal or metaphorical.
|
| obstruction |
This word is often used to describe something that physically blocks a path or progress, and can have a negative connotation.
|
| hindrance |
Used to describe something that makes progress difficult but is not a complete stop; can be used in a negative sense.
|
| impediment |
Often used to describe a factor that makes progress difficult or slow; frequently used in formal and legal contexts, sometimes with a negative connotation.
|
Examples of usage
- The language barrier was a wall between them.
- The lack of funding was a wall to the project's success.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- The Great Wall of China, built to protect against invasions, spans over 13,000 miles and dates back to the 7th century BC.
- Medieval castles often had thick walls to withstand attacks, illustrating the evolution of wall construction for defense purposes.
Art
- Many famous murals and street art installations use walls as canvases, turning urban spaces into vibrant art galleries.
- The Berlin Wall, which divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, became a powerful symbol of freedom and artistic expression after its fall.
Psychology
- Walls can symbolize emotional barriers people build to protect themselves from pain or vulnerability.
- In therapy, 'breaking down walls' often refers to overcoming personal obstacles and opening up to others.
Architecture
- Walls can be made from various materials including wood, stone, and concrete, each serving different functional and aesthetic purposes.
- Load-bearing walls are crucial in supporting structures, while decorative walls enhance visual appeal in homes or buildings.
Origin of 'wall'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'weall,' which is derived from the Latin 'vallum,' meaning 'a rampart or fortification.'
- In many languages, the term for 'wall' shares a similar root, emphasizing its importance in architecture across cultures.
The word 'wall' originated from the Old English word 'weall', which was used to refer to a structure of stone, brick, or other materials. Walls have been used throughout history for various purposes, including defense, protection, and division of space. The construction of walls has played a significant role in the development of architecture and urban planning.
See also: wallet.