jut
C1Neutral to slightly literary; descriptive.
Definition
Meaning
to extend out, upwards, or forwards in a noticeable, often abrupt or sharp, projection.
Can imply something protruding in an unsightly, obstructive, or prominent manner. May be used metaphorically for things like deadlines or dates that 'jut into' a schedule.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly implies a physical, three-dimensional protrusion. More specific than 'protrude' in suggesting a sharper, more defined, or more angular projection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling and grammar are identical.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British descriptive prose (e.g., travel writing about coastal features).
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but perhaps marginally higher in British English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] juts[Subject] juts out/up/forwards[Subject] juts out from/over/into [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(none commonly associated)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The project deadline juts into our Q3 planning.'
Academic
Used in geography, geology, and architecture to describe physical features: 'The peninsula juts sharply into the sea.'
Everyday
Descriptive of noticeable physical objects: 'Mind your head on that beam that juts out.'
Technical
As in academic contexts; also in engineering/design for protruding components.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The old cliff juts precariously over the village.
- A sharp piece of metal was jutting from the wreckage.
American English
- The new balcony juts out ten feet from the building.
- His chin jutted defiantly as he argued.
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form)
adjective
British English
- (Rare as pure adjective; used in participle form 'jutting') The jutting prow of the ship cut through the waves.
American English
- (Rare as pure adjective) The most jutting point of the coastline is called Cape Fear.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Be careful! A nail is jutting out of that board.
- The rock juts into the water here.
- The architect designed a balcony that juts dramatically over the street below.
- From the profile, his jaw jutted with determination.
- Several granite formations jut upwards from the valley floor, creating a surreal landscape.
- The controversial amendment juts awkwardly into the otherwise coherent legislative package.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a protruding JAW that is JUTTING out. Both 'jaw' and 'jut' start with 'j' and suggest a strong, angular shape.
Conceptual Metaphor
OBSTRUCTION IS A PHYSICAL PROJECTION (e.g., a problem 'jutting into' one's plans).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as торчать for loose, floppy things. 'Jut' suggests rigidity. Выступать or выдаваться are closer for sharp/angular projections.
Common Mistakes
- Using it for two-dimensional things (e.g., 'The line juts on the graph' – use 'spikes'). Overusing it instead of simpler 'stick out'. Incorrect preposition: 'jut at' instead of 'jut from/into'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'jut' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for any sharply projecting object, large or small (e.g., a jutting nail, a jutting bone).
'Jut' often suggests a more angular, abrupt, or prominent projection. 'Protrude' is more general and clinical, and can be used for rounded or softer bulges.
Rarely. The noun form ('a jut of land') is archaic or highly literary. The verb is standard.
Yes, 'jut out' is a very common phrasal verb. The particle 'out' reinforces the direction of the projection but is often optional.