heap
B1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
An untidy pile or mass of things.
A large amount or quantity of something; can also refer to a malfunctioning or inefficient program structure in computing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a lack of order, haphazard accumulation, or a large, impressive quantity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. 'Heap' is slightly more common in UK informal speech (e.g., 'heaps of time'), while 'pile' might be slightly more neutral in US. The verb form 'to heap' is equally common.
Connotations
In both, it can suggest messiness or excess. In informal UK speech, 'heaps' as a quantifier ('thanks heaps') is common.
Frequency
High frequency in both varieties, with a slight edge in informal UK usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
heap N (on/upon N)heap N with NN heap upVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “heap praise on”
- “at the bottom of the heap”
- “scrap heap”
- “all of a heap (surprised)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Informal: 'The report heaped criticism on the new policy.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing except in specific fields like computer science ('memory heap').
Everyday
Common: 'There's a heap of laundry to fold.' 'I've got heaps of work.'
Technical
Computer Science: 'Dynamic memory allocation uses a heap data structure.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He heaped the logs neatly by the shed.
- They heaped scorn upon the proposal.
American English
- She heaped the plate with mashed potatoes.
- Fans heaped praise on the team's performance.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as adverb)
- (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- (Rare as adverb)
- (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- The heap file was corrupted.
- (Rare as adjective)
American English
- (Rare as adjective, 'heap' is not standardly used as adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The toys were in a heap on the floor.
- I have a heap of homework.
- We made a compost heap in the garden.
- He heaped the sand into a big pile.
- Critics heaped blame on the government for its slow response.
- The old cars were destined for the scrap heap.
- The algorithm's inefficiency was due to excessive heap allocations.
- She was all of a heap after hearing the surprising news.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HEAP of HEEP (an old car, the Jeep) – a messy pile of old cars.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS VERTICALITY (a heap is a tall pile), CRITICISM/PRAISE IS A PHYSICAL SUBSTANCE THAT CAN BE HEAPED.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'hip' (/hɪp/).
- The Russian word 'куча' is a close equivalent for the noun, but the verb 'to heap' (нагромождать, наваливать) is less frequent.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'heap' (disordered) with 'stack' (ordered).
- Using 'a heap' with uncountable nouns incorrectly (e.g., 'a heap of information' is fine, 'a heap of waters' is not).
Practice
Quiz
In computer science, a 'heap' refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Heap' often implies a more untidy, unorganized mound, while 'pile' can be more neutral or even organized (like a pile of books).
Yes, commonly. It means to put things in a heap or to give in large amounts (e.g., heap praise/criticism on someone).
No, 'heaps of' is informal. In formal writing, use 'a great deal of' or 'a large amount of'.
It's an idiom meaning in the lowest or least powerful position in a society or organization.