ancho: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “ancho” mean?
A heavy object, often with hooks, attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A heavy object, often with hooks, attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom.
A person or thing that provides stability, confidence, or the main focus of something (e.g., a TV program).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Pronunciation and some secondary uses (e.g., 'anchorman/person') show slight variation in frequency.
Connotations
Similar positive connotations of reliability and stability in both varieties. The term 'anchor store' (main store in a shopping centre) is common in both.
Frequency
Core meaning is equally common. The media sense ('news anchor') is slightly more prevalent in American English but fully understood in BrE.
Grammar
How to Use “ancho” in a Sentence
to anchor sth (in/to sth)to anchor sth (firmly)sth is anchored in sthto anchor oneselfVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ancho” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We'll anchor the boat in the bay overnight.
- Her values are anchored in a strong sense of justice.
American English
- We anchored off the coast of Maine.
- The fee is anchored to the rate of inflation.
adverb
British English
- This point is used anchorwise to secure the structure.
American English
- The ship was anchored securely offshore.
adjective
British English
- The anchor tenant signed the lease.
- He played an anchor role in the defence.
American English
- She is the anchor tenant for the new mall.
- We need an anchor investor for the project.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a key product, store, or investment that provides stability or draws customers.
Academic
Used metaphorically for a central theory, principle, or piece of evidence.
Everyday
Most commonly refers to the nautical object or a reliable person.
Technical
Nautical engineering, broadcasting, psychology (e.g., 'anchoring bias').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ancho”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ancho”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ancho”
- Mispronunciation: /ˈæn.tʃɔːr/ (incorrect).
- Spelling: 'ancor' (missing 'h').
- Using 'anchor' as a direct translation for 'якорь' in all metaphorical contexts where 'опора' or 'основа' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is still understood but increasingly replaced by gender-neutral terms like 'anchor', 'news anchor', or 'presenter', especially in formal contexts.
To 'anchor' specifically means to secure using an anchor. To 'moor' is more general—to secure a boat to a fixed object like a pier, buoy, or the sea bottom, potentially using an anchor, ropes, or chains.
Yes, very commonly. E.g., 'Her friendship anchored him during difficult times.' or 'The discussion was anchored by three main themes.'
It is a nautical phrase meaning to haul up the anchor in preparation for departure.
A heavy object, often with hooks, attached to a rope or chain and used to moor a vessel to the sea bottom.
Ancho is usually neutral to formal in register.
Ancho: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæŋ.kər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæŋ.kɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to drop anchor (to settle)”
- “to weigh anchor (to depart)”
- “anchor's aweigh”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a NEWS ANCHOR: they are the stable, central person who keeps the broadcast from drifting off topic.
Conceptual Metaphor
STABILITY/SAFETY IS BEING ANCHORED; A CENTRAL POINT IS AN ANCHOR.
Practice
Quiz
In cognitive psychology, 'anchoring' refers to: