jump
A1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To push oneself off the ground using one's legs, moving upward and often forward.
To make a sudden movement or change in position, level, or state; to rise sharply; to pass over or skip something.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Encompasses both literal physical movement and metaphorical leaps (in price, conclusion, etc.). Can imply suddenness, force, or lack of smooth transition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'jump' is slightly more common in the context of children's games ('jump rope' vs US 'skip rope'). The phrase 'jump for joy' is equally common, but UK might use 'jump the gun' slightly less frequently than US.
Connotations
Both share core meanings. US business jargon more commonly uses 'jump-start', 'jump ship'.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties, with near identical core usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + jump (intransitive)Subject + jump + Prepositional Phrase (over, into, onto)Subject + jump + Object (transitive, e.g., jump a fence, jump a red light)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “jump on the bandwagon”
- “jump through hoops”
- “jump the gun”
- “jump down someone's throat”
- “get the jump on someone”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'Sales jumped by 20% last quarter.' 'Don't jump to a decision without all the data.'
Academic
The article argues the researcher jumped from correlation to causation.
Everyday
The cat jumped onto the table. My heart jumped when I heard the noise.
Technical
In programming, a 'JUMP' instruction transfers control to another part of the code.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- With a tremendous jump, the athlete cleared the bar.
- There was a noticeable jump in attendance this year.
- He took a running jump at the wall.
American English
- The skier made a perfect jump during the competition.
- We saw a huge jump in our website traffic.
- It's a big jump from assistant to manager.
verb
British English
- The children love to jump in the puddles after rain.
- He had to jump the queue to catch his train.
- Share prices jumped on the news of the merger.
American English
- The player can jump over the obstacle in the video game.
- Don't jump to conclusions without evidence.
- The startup's valuation jumped after the investment.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The rabbit can jump very high.
- Please don't jump on the bed.
- I jumped when you shouted.
- She jumped over the small stream easily.
- The temperature jumped from 10 to 25 degrees.
- He always jumps to help his friends.
- Investors jumped at the chance to buy the stock early.
- The report jumps from one topic to another without clear links.
- You'll have to jump through a lot of bureaucratic hoops.
- The film's narrative jumps back and forth in time, creating a complex structure.
- The company managed to jump several technological hurdles to launch the product.
- His argument makes a logical jump that isn't fully supported.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Jumbo (JUMp) jet taking off – it doesn't fly smoothly at first, it JUMPs into the air.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITIVE CHANGE IS UPWARD MOVEMENT ('Prices jumped.'), SUDDEN CHANGE IS A JUMP ('Jump to a conclusion'), AVOIDANCE IS JUMPING OVER ('He jumped that topic').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Russian 'прыгать' covers 'jump', 'hop', and 'skip'. English 'jump' is the generic term. Distinguish from 'hop' (on one foot) and 'skip' (a light, bounding step). 'Jump in' meaning 'participate' (Вступать, присоединяться) is a common phrasal verb trap.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'jump' for a controlled descent ('He jumped from the roof' – implies a fall vs 'He jumped off the diving board' – controlled). Confusing 'jump' (action) with 'jumpy' (state of being nervous).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these uses of 'jump' is metaphorical?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Jump' is the general term for propelling oneself into the air. 'Hop' is a small jump, often on one foot or by a small animal. 'Leap' implies a longer, more forceful, or graceful jump, often covering more distance.
No, it can be transitive. Intransitive: 'He jumped.' Transitive: 'He jumped the fence.' (meaning he jumped over it) or 'He jumped the red light.' (meaning he went through it illegally).
It means to start doing something too early, before the proper time, or to act prematurely based on an assumption.
Yes. As a noun, it refers to the act of jumping ('a high jump'), a sudden increase ('a jump in prices'), or an obstacle to be jumped ('a ski jump').