gear
B1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
A mechanical device or set of parts, especially toothed wheels, that transmits or modifies motion; equipment or apparatus designed for a particular purpose.
Items of clothing, especially of a particular kind; personal possessions; a state of readiness or preparation; a specific setting or speed (e.g., in a car).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans a spectrum from highly technical (engineering) to casual (clothing/slang). In verb form ('gear up'), it often implies preparation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'gear' for clothing is common but slightly informal ('sports gear'). In AmE, 'gear' as clothing can sound dated or niche (e.g., 'hiking gear'). Both use 'gear' for car parts, but BrE might say 'change gear' where AmE says 'shift gears'.
Connotations
In BrE slang, 'gear' can mean 'great' or 'excellent' ('That new track is proper gear!'). This connotation is rare in AmE. In both, 'gear' can imply a subculture's equipment/clothing (e.g., 'punk gear').
Frequency
Slightly more common in BrE in informal contexts relating to clothing and slang. Technical usage (mechanics) is equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
gear something to/towards somethinggear up for somethingbe geared for somethinggear something up/downVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get your arse/butt in gear (vulgar/informal)”
- “shift gears”
- “in high gear”
- “top gear”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The company is gearing up for the product launch.
Academic
The research methodology was not geared towards qualitative analysis.
Everyday
Have you packed all your camping gear?
Technical
The planetary gear system reduces rotational speed while increasing torque.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The event is geared towards families.
- We need to gear up production for the Christmas rush.
American English
- The curriculum is geared to meet state standards.
- The team is gearing up for the playoffs.
adjective
British English
- The gear lever is on the floor.
- It was a proper gear party!
American English
- The gear shift is on the column.
- That new bike is so gear!
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I put the car in first gear.
- Wear protective gear when you ride a bike.
- We need to buy some new camping gear.
- He quickly changed gear to go up the hill.
- The factory is gearing up to meet increased demand.
- His lecture was geared towards an audience of specialists.
- The economic policies are not adequately geared to address long-term inflation.
- She meticulously sorted through her climbing gear, checking each carabiner.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GEAR: Getting Everything Arranged Right.
Conceptual Metaphor
PREPARATION IS PUTTING ON/EQUIPPING GEAR (e.g., 'gear up for battle'). PROGRESS IS MOVING THROUGH GEARS (e.g., 'shift into a higher gear').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'гиря' (girya - kettlebell).
- Avoid overusing 'gear' as a direct translation for Russian 'снаряжение' or 'экипировка' where simpler words like 'equipment' or 'kit' are more natural.
- In mechanical contexts, Russian 'шестерня' is specifically a 'cog' or 'gear wheel'; 'gear' can be the whole assembly.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'gear for' not 'gear on'.
- Using uncountable 'gear' with 'a' (e.g., 'a gear' is only correct for a specific cog or speed setting).
- Confusing 'gear' (n) with 'geared' (adj/verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'gear' used as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is usually uncountable when referring to equipment ('all my gear'). It is countable when referring to a specific mechanical cog or a speed setting in a vehicle ('a gear', 'five gears').
'Gear' is often more informal and can imply personal, specialised, or portable items (sports gear, camping gear). 'Equipment' is more general and formal (laboratory equipment, office equipment).
Yes, 'to gear' means to prepare, adjust, or design something for a specific purpose or group, often used with 'up', 'towards', or 'for' (e.g., 'The company is gearing up for expansion').
It's an idiom meaning to start working effectively or more quickly, to become prepared and active. ('Come on, team, we need to get in gear if we're going to finish on time!').