hold with: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Semi-formal
Quick answer
What does “hold with” mean?
to approve of or support an idea, principle, or practice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to approve of or support an idea, principle, or practice
To agree with or believe in something, often used negatively to express disapproval
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English; American English more likely to use 'agree with', 'approve of', or 'go along with'
Connotations
Slightly old-fashioned or formal in both varieties, carries conservative/moralistic nuance
Frequency
Relatively low frequency overall; higher in British formal contexts
Grammar
How to Use “hold with” in a Sentence
S + V + with + NPS + V + with + GerundS + V + with + Noun PhraseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hold with” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He doesn't hold with modern art.
- We wouldn't hold with that approach.
- Do you hold with capital punishment?
American English
- I don't hold with cheating on taxes.
- They wouldn't hold with that philosophy.
- She doesn't hold with using smartphones at dinner.
adverb
British English
- He spoke hold-withly about tradition.
- She argued hold-withly for reform.
American English
- He stated hold-withly his position.
- She responded hold-withly to the proposal.
adjective
British English
- This is a hold-with-me attitude.
- A hold-with position on climate change.
American English
- A hold-with approach to education.
- Her hold-with views on immigration.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; 'The board doesn't hold with risky investments.'
Academic
Occasional in philosophy/social sciences; 'Aristotle wouldn't hold with this interpretation.'
Everyday
Most common; 'I don't hold with people being rude to waiters.'
Technical
Very rare
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hold with”
- Using positive form too frequently
- Confusing with 'hold with' meaning 'continue holding'
- Using without 'with' preposition
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it's much less common than negative constructions. Positive use sounds formal or old-fashioned.
It's semi-formal to formal. In casual conversation, native speakers often use simpler alternatives like 'agree with' or 'like'.
Always 'with', never other prepositions. The pattern is: subject + hold + with + object.
No, it functions as a phrasal verb unit. You cannot say 'hold something with' - the object must follow 'with'.
to approve of or support an idea, principle, or practice.
Hold with: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊld wɪð/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊld wɪθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “not hold with (something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine holding hands WITH someone - you're together, you agree. If you DON'T hold with something, you refuse to take its hand.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEMENT IS PHYSICAL SUPPORT (holding something up)
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'hold with' correctly?