foursquare: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Descriptive (adjective/adverb); Informal (noun for the game).
Quick answer
What does “foursquare” mean?
Literally, 'square-shaped' or 'a square area/space'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Literally, 'square-shaped' or 'a square area/space'; more commonly, steadfast, firm, and resolute in principle or character.
Refers to a game played by hitting a small rubber ball onto marked areas of the ground, also called 'four square'. Also used as a brand name for a location technology company.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The game 'foursquare' is far more common and well-known in the US (and other countries like Australia) than in the UK. As an adjective/adverb, usage is similar but rare in both dialects.
Connotations
UK: Mostly understood via American media for the game; the adjectival use is archaic/formal. US: The game is a standard part of playground culture; adjectival use is still somewhat literary.
Frequency
In the US, the noun sense is much more frequent in casual conversation. In the UK, the word is very low-frequency overall.
Grammar
How to Use “foursquare” in a Sentence
[Subject] stand foursquare [Prep. Phrase: behind/against/with...]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foursquare” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (not used as a verb)
American English
- N/A (not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- The union stood foursquare against the proposed pay cuts.
American English
- The senator came out foursquare in favour of the bill.
adjective
British English
- She is known for her foursquare commitment to ethical journalism.
American English
- He gave a foursquare defence of the First Amendment.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in corporate communications to describe principled support. 'The board stood foursquare behind the new CEO.'
Academic
Rare in academic writing, might appear in historical or political texts describing character.
Everyday
Primarily for the playground game (US/Commonwealth). Adjectival use is uncommon in casual speech.
Technical
Used in architecture/history to describe a square, solid building style.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foursquare”
- Using it as a general adjective for any square object instead of its character sense. Writing it as two words ('four square') when used as an adjective/adverb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is typically written as one word for the adjective, adverb, and noun (the game). 'Four-square' is a less common variant.
No, 'foursquare' is not standardly used as a verb.
It comes from the four large squares (typically marked 'King', 'Queen', 'Jack', 'Ace' or numbered) drawn on the ground for the game.
It is positive, implying honesty and resoluteness, though it can sometimes imply being rigid or unyielding depending on context.
Literally, 'square-shaped' or 'a square area/space'.
Foursquare is usually formal/descriptive (adjective/adverb); informal (noun for the game). in register.
Foursquare: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːˈskweə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɔːrˈskwer/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stand foursquare behind someone/something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a square: all sides are equal, firm, and unchanging. A 'foursquare' person is morally 'square' and firm.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORAL CERTAINTY IS PHYSICAL STABILITY/SQUARENESS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'foursquare' most commonly used in everyday American English?