beam
B2Neutral to technical, depending on sense
Definition
Meaning
A long, sturdy piece of timber, metal, or other material used horizontally as a structural support.
1) A line of light or electromagnetic radiation; 2) A directed flow of particles; 3) The width of a ship at its widest point; 4) An expression of radiant happiness; 5) To transmit (a signal, radio waves, etc.) over a wide area.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The senses range from physical objects (construction, shipbuilding) to abstract concepts (radiating happiness, broadcasting). The verb sense often implies directionality and focus.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use all main senses. In nautical contexts, 'beam' is equally standard.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The 'smiling broadly' sense is equally common.
Frequency
Slight potential for higher frequency in AmE in broadcasting contexts (e.g., 'beamed the show nationwide').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + beam: support/rest on a ~BEAM + VERB: the ~ supports/ spans/ runs across sthPREP. across/along/on a ~beam sth to/at/into sthbeam at/with sb/sthbeam with pride/delightVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on her/its beam-ends (nautical: in a precarious state)”
- “broad in the beam (humorous: wide-hipped)”
- “off beam (incorrect, mistaken)”
- “beaming from ear to ear (smiling very broadly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in construction/engineering ('The project requires steel beams.').
Academic
Common in physics/engineering ('electron beam', 'laser beam', 'structural beam analysis').
Everyday
Common for light ('sunbeam'), smiles ('beaming'), and basic construction ('wooden beam').
Technical
High frequency in construction, physics (optics, particle), naval architecture, and broadcasting/satellite technology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The satellite will beam the concert live to Europe.
- She beamed at her grandson, clearly delighted.
American English
- The network beamed the game into homes across the country.
- He beamed with pride when he got the promotion.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form. 'Beamed' is a participle adjective: 'a beamed ceiling').
American English
- N/A (No standard adjectival form. 'Beamed' is a participle adjective: 'the beamed signal').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- A sunbeam came through the window.
- The wooden beam holds up the roof.
- The baby beamed at his mother.
- They used steel beams to build the bridge.
- She switched her car's headlights to full beam.
- His face beamed with happiness when he won.
- The old cottage has beautiful exposed oak beams.
- The lighthouse sent its beam far out to sea.
- The interview was beamed via satellite to a global audience.
- The structural integrity depends on the main load-bearing beam.
- Scientists focused the particle beam on the target.
- Off his usual insightful comments, his analysis was a bit off beam this time.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BEAM of sunlight hitting a wooden BEAM in a barn, making you BEAM with happiness.
Conceptual Metaphor
HAPPINESS IS LIGHT RADIATING FROM A PERSON ('She beamed with pride'). COMMUNICATION IS LIGHT/SIGNAL TRANSMISSION ('The news was beamed around the world').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'бим' (nautical 'beam' is correct). The light/signal sense is 'луч' or 'пучок'. The smiling sense is 'сиять' or 'лучиться'. Avoid using 'балка' for non-structural contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'beam' for a thin stick (use 'stick', 'rod'). Confusing 'beam' (structural) with 'stream' (of liquid). Incorrect preposition: 'beam to someone' (correct) vs. 'beam at someone' (for smile).
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'beam' NOT typically refer to a physical object?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'beam' is a major horizontal support, often primary. A 'rafter' is a specific type of beam, usually sloped, forming the framework of a roof.
Typically no. For water, use 'stream' or 'jet'. For sound, 'beam' is rare and technical (e.g., 'sonar beam'), otherwise use 'wave' or general terms.
Overwhelmingly yes. It implies a radiant, unreserved positive expression like joy, pride, or satisfaction.
It's an idiom meaning incorrect, mistaken, or misguided in one's thinking or direction. (Originates from being off the radio/radar beam used for navigation).