buttons
A2 (High)Neutral to informal (depending on context); 'push one's buttons' is informal/idiomatic.
Definition
Meaning
A small disk or knob sewn to a garment, used to fasten it by being passed through a hole; a small round object pressed to activate a mechanism.
Control points or interface elements in software and devices; metaphorical points of influence or triggers; slang for a person in authority, especially in phrases like 'push someone's buttons.'
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun (plural). The singular 'button' is more common for individual items, but 'buttons' often refers to collections, controls, or fasteners in general. In computing, 'buttons' is standard for graphical interface elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use 'buttons' for fasteners and controls. The idiom 'push someone's buttons' is common in both, but slightly more frequent in American English. British English may use 'press' more often for physical buttons (e.g., 'press the button'), while American English uses 'push' and 'press' interchangeably.
Connotations
In informal contexts, 'buttons' can imply simplicity or manual control ('old-school buttons'). The phrase 'bright as a button' (very clever) is slightly more common in British English.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
have + buttons (The jacket has brass buttons.)sew + buttons + on (She sewed buttons on the coat.)push/press + buttons (He pressed the buttons on the remote.)be + covered in + buttons (The cushion was covered in buttons.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “push someone's buttons (to deliberately annoy or provoke someone)”
- “bright as a button (very intelligent or quick-witted)”
- “on the button (exactly right or punctual)”
- “button it! (slang: be quiet!)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to call-to-action elements in digital marketing ('clickable buttons'), or points of control in a process.
Academic
Used in discussions of interface design, material culture (history of clothing), or metaphorical triggers in psychology.
Everyday
Clothing fasteners, remote controls, elevator panels, website navigation.
Technical
Graphical user interface (GUI) components, physical momentary switches on electronic devices.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She quickly buttoned her cardigan against the chill.
American English
- He buttoned up his lip when the boss walked in. (idiomatic: became silent)
adjective
British English
- The button nose gave her a childlike appearance.
American English
- It was a button issue in the campaign. (minor but symbolic)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My coat has four big buttons.
- Please press the green button to start.
- I need to sew a button back onto my shirt.
- The remote control has too many buttons.
- The new software update changed the position of all the menu buttons.
- His criticism really pushed my buttons.
- The negotiation hinged on finding the right buttons to push without causing offense.
- A historian might study military buttons to date a uniform.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a big, red 'SOS' BUTTON. It has TWO (sounds like 'to') functions: to call for help and to fasten a captain's coat. BUTTONS = TWO key functions.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUTTONS ARE TRIGGERS / CONTROL POINTS (e.g., 'He knows how to push my buttons' maps emotional reactions to mechanical activation).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'butt' (задница). The word is unrelated. The Russian cognate 'пуговица' is safe.
- Don't translate the idiom 'push someone's buttons' literally; use 'действовать на нервы' or 'выводить из себя.'
- In IT, 'кнопка' is a direct translation, but be aware of the plural form's usage.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'buttons' as an uncountable noun (*'much buttons' instead of 'many buttons').
- Misspelling as 'butons'.
- Confusing 'button' (verb) with 'butt in' (interrupt).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'on the button' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'buttons' is the plural noun and 3rd person singular present tense of the verb 'to button' (e.g., He buttons his jacket). The base verb is 'button'.
They are largely interchangeable. 'Press' might imply a gentler or more sustained action, while 'push' is more general. Regional preferences exist, but neither is incorrect.
Yes, metaphorically. In computing, they are graphical interface elements. In psychology, 'buttons' can mean emotional triggers ('hot buttons').
It's an informal term for the navel, based on its small, round, and protruding (in some cases) appearance, resembling a shirt button.