count
A1Neutral (Used in all registers from informal to formal)
Definition
Meaning
To determine the total number of units in a collection; to enumerate.
To include or be included in a calculation or consideration; to have significance, value, or importance; to consider or regard someone or something in a specified way. Also, a formal charge in a legal indictment.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb has both a literal, mathematical sense and a figurative sense related to importance. The noun can refer to the action of counting, the total reached, or a legal charge.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In legal contexts, 'count' (as in charges) is equally used. The phrasal verb 'count out' money is shared. Minor differences exist in idiomatic preference (e.g., 'it counts for little' is slightly more common in UK English).
Connotations
Very similar. 'To count' as 'to matter' is equally strong in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely high and consistent frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[VN] (transitive: count something)[V] (intransitive: The seconds counted down.)[V-ADJ] (link verb: It counts as valid.)[V that] (I count myself lucky that...)[VN-ADJ] (They counted the vote invalid.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “count your chickens before they hatch”
- “don't count your chickens”
- “stand up and be counted”
- “out for the count”
- “down for the count”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Counting inventory, counting votes in a shareholder meeting, counting the cost of a project.
Academic
Counting samples in a statistical study, a particle count in physics, arguments that count in a philosophical debate.
Everyday
Counting change, counting down to a holiday, counting how many people are coming.
Technical
Reference count (computing), platelet count (medicine), Geiger counter click count (physics).
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- According to the final count, we raised £2,500.
- He was found guilty on all three counts.
- Keep a count of how many times he complains.
American English
- The vote count is still too close to call.
- He faced a count of grand larceny.
- What's the body count in that film?
verb
British English
- Could you count the attendees for me, please?
- Every penny counts when you're saving for a house.
- That goal won't count because he was offside.
American English
- Go ahead and count the ballots now.
- His experience really counts in these situations.
- I count her as one of my closest friends.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The child can count to twenty.
- Count the chairs in the room.
- We have ten apples. I counted them.
- You can count on me to help you move house.
- The referee started the count after the boxer fell.
- Does this quiz count towards my final grade?
- The years he spent abroad counted for nothing in their eyes.
- He was indicted on two counts of fraud.
- We must count the environmental cost of this policy.
- Her pioneering work counts among the most significant of the century.
- The jury returned a guilty verdict on the lesser count.
- He was down but not out, refusing to be counted among the failures.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a king (sounds like 'count' in some languages) sitting on his throne, COUNTing all the gold coins in his treasury.
Conceptual Metaphor
IMPORTANCE IS NUMERICAL VALUE (e.g., 'Your opinion counts.'); TIME IS A COUNTDOWN (e.g., 'counting down the minutes').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'граф' (a nobleman). The Russian verb 'считать' covers both 'count' and 'consider/think', so choose the correct English equivalent based on context.
- The noun 'счёт' can mean 'count', 'score', or 'bill' – ensure the correct translation.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'count' with uncountable nouns where 'measure' or 'weigh' is better (e.g., 'count the water').
- Incorrect preposition: 'count in' vs. 'count towards' (e.g., 'Does this count *for* my grade?' should be 'count *towards*').
Practice
Quiz
In the legal phrase 'on two counts of burglary', what does 'count' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a regular verb: count, counted, counted.
'Count on' means to rely on or expect. 'Count in' means to include someone in an activity (e.g., 'Count me in for the party!').
No, that is a different word (a 'count' is a European nobleman), homophonous in English but etymologically distinct. The context makes the meaning clear.
It uses the figurative sense: to have value, significance, or importance. The phrase means 'it has no importance or value'.
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