british list: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Maritime), Literary
Quick answer
What does “british list” mean?
To lean or tilt to one side, typically of a ship.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To lean or tilt to one side, typically of a ship.
To lean, tilt, or be in a state of imbalance; also used metaphorically for a deviation from a standard or upright position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and frequency across both varieties. The word is a specialized term.
Connotations
Connotes imminent danger, instability, or mechanical failure, especially in a maritime context.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties; confined to specific domains.
Grammar
How to Use “british list” in a Sentence
N (subject) + list (+ ADV/PP) e.g., The ship listed to port.N (subject) + be + listing (+ ADV)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “british list” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ferry began to list alarmingly after hitting the submerged object.
- We had to abandon ship when she listed more than 30 degrees.
American English
- The Coast Guard reported the vessel was listing to starboard.
- The damaged hull caused the yacht to list badly.
adjective
British English
- The listing ship was a hazard to navigation.
- We boarded the slightly listing hulk.
American English
- The listing tower was evacuated by engineers.
- They inspected the listing fence post.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical, e.g., 'The company's finances were listing dangerously.'
Academic
Used in historical, engineering, or naval architecture texts.
Everyday
Very rare. Used only when describing ships, boats, or metaphorically for other objects leaning.
Technical
Standard term in maritime reports, safety investigations, and ship design.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “british list”
- Using 'list' (lean) when meaning 'list' (enumerate). E.g., 'The table was full of dishes' ❌, not 'The table listed with dishes.'
- Incorrect preposition: 'list on the side' ❌ vs. 'list to one side' ✅.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are homographs from different etymological roots. 'List' (to lean) comes from Old English 'lystan' (to please, desire) which took on a nautical meaning of causing a ship to lean. 'List' (a series) comes from Old French 'liste' (strip, border).
All imply being at an angle. 'List' is specifically nautical and implies an unintended, often dangerous, tilt. 'Lean' is more general for objects resting at an angle. 'Tilt' can be intentional or unintentional and often involves a pivoting action.
Yes, but it retains its core meaning of an unstable or unintended lean. It can be used for buildings, vehicles, or metaphorically (e.g., 'a listing argument'). However, for common objects, 'lean' or 'tilt' are more frequent.
The present participle 'listing' is used as an adjective, as in 'a listing ship'.
To lean or tilt to one side, typically of a ship.
British list is usually formal, technical (maritime), literary in register.
British list: in British English it is pronounced /lɪst/, and in American English it is pronounced /lɪst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the list (nautical, rare)”
- “take a list (of a ship)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A ship with a LIST is LEANING, like a LIST of names leans to one side of the page.
Conceptual Metaphor
INSTABILITY IS A PHYSICAL TILT (e.g., 'a listing economy').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'to list' MOST appropriately used?