grip
B2Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to hold something tightly, or the act of holding tightly.
Mental or emotional control; understanding; the level of traction between surfaces.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can refer to physical holding, mental comprehension, emotional control, or literal traction (e.g., tyres). Often implies firmness, security, or mastery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. In the context of suitcases, 'grip' for a small bag is archaic in AmE but slightly more persistent (though still dated) in BrE. The verb 'grip' is used identically.
Connotations
Identical connotations of firmness, control, and security.
Frequency
Slightly higher relative frequency in BrE due to the (dated) 'travelling bag' sense.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
grip somethinggrip onto somethingbe gripped by something (emotion)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get a grip (on yourself)”
- “come/get to grips with something”
- “in the grip of”
- “lose your grip”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Market grip' or 'grip on market share' refers to a company's dominant position.
Academic
Used metaphorically: 'a firm grip on the theoretical concepts'.
Everyday
Holding objects, understanding situations, controlling emotions.
Technical
In engineering/physics: friction or adhesion between surfaces (tyre grip).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Grip the rail tightly while descending the stairs.
- The film's opening scene gripped the entire audience.
American English
- Make sure your tires grip the road in this weather.
- Fear gripped her as she entered the dark room.
adjective
British English
- The gripping drama kept us on the edge of our seats.
- The non-grip surface was dangerously slippery.
American English
- It was a grip story from start to finish.
- He applied grip tape to the tool handle.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Hold the cup with a firm grip so you don't drop it.
- The baby gripped my finger.
- She felt his grip tighten on her arm.
- I'm trying to get a grip on this new software.
- The government's grip on power was weakening.
- The tyres lost their grip on the icy road.
- He was in the grip of a powerful addiction.
- The lecturer had a masterful grip on her complex subject matter.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GRIPping film that holds your attention as tightly as a hand GRIPs an object.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS GRASPING ('I finally got a grip on the problem'). CONTROL IS HOLDING ('She has a firm grip on the project').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'хватка' (which is more about a manner of grasping). For 'grip' as a noun, 'схватка' is wrong (it means 'fight' or 'seizure'). Use 'захват', 'сцепление' (for tyres), or 'понимание' (for mental grip). The verb is best translated as 'крепко держать', 'схватить'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'grip on' something, not 'grip at' (except in rare physical struggles). Confusing 'get a grip' (calm down) with 'get grips' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'grip' used metaphorically?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's often used metaphorically. A 'gripping' story holds your attention tightly.
'Grip' implies a tighter, more sustained hold, often for control. 'Grasp' can be a single action of taking hold, or mental understanding ('grasp an idea').
It can be, as it's a direct command telling someone to control their emotions. Softer alternatives are 'Calm down' or 'Take a breath'.
Yes, but it's dated. It can mean a small travelling bag or suitcase (old-fashioned BrE) or a handle/part designed to be held.
Explore