cheer
B1 (Intermediate)Neutral - Used in both formal and informal contexts, but more common in informal speech, sports, and celebratory events.
Definition
Meaning
To shout approval, praise, or encouragement; to make someone feel happier or more hopeful.
A shout of approval or encouragement; a mood or atmosphere characterized by optimism, warmth, and good spirits.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, it often implies an external, vocalized expression of support (e.g., for a team). As a noun, it can refer to the shout itself or a general feeling of comfort and happiness (e.g., 'words of cheer').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. The noun 'cheer' in the sense of 'shout' is equally common. The phrase 'three cheers for...' is slightly more stereotypically British. The interjection 'Cheers!' as a casual thanks or goodbye is predominantly British.
Connotations
In the UK, 'cheerio' is an old-fashioned informal goodbye. In the US, 'cheer' is strongly associated with organized sports and cheerleading.
Frequency
The verb is equally frequent. The interjection 'Cheers!' is vastly more common in UK English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
cheer for [someone/something]cheer [someone] oncheer [someone] upcheer at [something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Bronx cheer (US)”
- “three cheers for...”
- “cheer to the echo”
- “of good cheer”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical or motivational contexts: 'The CEO's speech cheered the investors.'
Academic
Rare in core text; possible in describing historical or social events: 'The crowd cheered the declaration.'
Everyday
Very common for sports, personal encouragement ('Cheer up!'), and casual thanks/goodbye (UK).
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- A huge cheer went up from the spectators at Wimbledon.
- He offered words of cheer to the disappointed children.
- Let's give three cheers for the retiring headteacher!
American English
- A cheer erupted from the bleachers when the quarterback appeared.
- The holiday season is a time of good cheer and festivity.
- She could hear the cheers of the crowd from her locker room.
verb
British English
- The fans cheered loudly when the goal was scored.
- I brought you some flowers to cheer you up.
- Cheers! Thanks for the lift.
American English
- The crowd cheered for the home team until they were hoarse.
- We need to cheer on our runners in the marathon.
- He tried to cheer his friend up after the bad news.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children cheered at the clown.
- Be happy! Cheer up!
- We cheered for our team.
- The whole stadium cheered when the singer came on stage.
- Try to cheer her up; she's been sad all day.
- Their victory brought cheer to the whole town.
- Despite the rainy weather, a spirit of cheer pervaded the outdoor wedding.
- The protesters were cheered on by a sympathetic public.
- He raised his glass and said, 'Cheers, everyone!'
- The minister's reassuring words did little to cheer the despondent electorate.
- The research findings offered a modicum of cheer to the struggling industry.
- His humour was a constant source of cheer in otherwise grim circumstances.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a team drinking CHEERs (beer) to celebrate a win — they are full of CHEER and CHEER for each other.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTION IS A LIQUID / FORCE ('She was full of good cheer.', 'Cheers erupted from the crowd.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'cher' (дорогой) или 'cheer' как напиток. 'Cheers!' чаще всего означает 'За здоровье!' или (в UK) 'Спасибо!', а не просто 'ура'. Глагол 'to cheer up' — 'подбодрить(ся)', а не 'поднять' физически.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cheer' as a noun for a person ('He is a cheer' - INCORRECT). Confusing 'cheer' (shout) with 'chair'. Incorrect preposition: 'Cheer at me' instead of 'Cheer for me'.
Practice
Quiz
In British English, 'Cheers!' in a pub most likely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when meaning a shout (e.g., 'three cheers'). When meaning a general feeling of happiness, it is usually uncountable (e.g., 'full of good cheer').
'Cheer up' is transitive and means to make someone happier. 'Cheer on' is also transitive and means to shout encouragement for someone, typically in a competition.
Yes, directly. A cheerleader is someone who leads cheers to encourage a sports team.
As an interjection meaning 'thanks', it is informal. In formal writing, it is only used in its original sense of expressing good wishes before drinking or to mean 'hurrah'.
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