kilo–
A2Neutral to informal (as noun), technical/standard (as prefix)
Definition
Meaning
A prefix meaning one thousand (1000)
As a standalone noun: informal abbreviation for kilogram; a unit of weight equal to one thousand grams.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
When used as a noun ('a kilo of flour'), it is a casual clipping of 'kilogram.' As a prefix, it is systematic and used in scientific, technical, and everyday measurement contexts (kilometre, kilobyte).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily in pronunciation. As a noun, both varieties use it identically. Spelling differences follow the base word (kilometre vs. kilometer).
Connotations
Neutral and technical. As a noun, informal and common in commerce and daily life.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Number] + kilo(s) + of + [Noun (substance)]The [Noun] costs £5 per kilo.I weigh [Number] kilos.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Give an inch, take a kilo (play on 'give an inch, take a mile')”
- “Not a kilo less (emphatic about weight/amount)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in trade, shipping, and agriculture for pricing by weight ('£2.50 per kilo').
Academic
Used as a standard metric prefix in scientific papers (kilowatt, kilojoule).
Everyday
Common in cooking, dieting, and shopping ('I need two kilos of potatoes').
Technical
Precise prefix in computing (kilobyte), physics (kilowatt), and engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The lorry had a kilo-weight capacity.
- It's a kilo bag of rice.
American English
- The truck had a kilo-weight capacity.
- It's a kilo bag of rice.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Apples cost £1.50 per kilo.
- I bought a kilo of bananas.
- The recipe requires half a kilo of minced beef.
- She lost three kilos on her new diet.
- The shipment was charged by weight, at €4 per kilo.
- The new battery stores several kilojoules of energy.
- The supercomputer's processing power is measured in kiloFLOPS.
- Economic data is often presented in kilotons of production output.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a KILO as a KEY load – a thousand units is a key, standard amount.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS SIZE / MEASUREMENT IS CONTAINMENT (a kilo of apples, a container of weight).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'кило' which is exclusively informal for kilogram. In English, 'kilo-' as a prefix is formal.
- Avoid translating 'килограмм' always as 'kilo' in formal writing; use 'kilogram'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'kilo' as a plural incorrectly (e.g., 'two kilo' instead of 'two kilos').
- Misspelling prefix variations (e.g., 'kilogramme' in US English).
Practice
Quiz
What is the core meaning of the prefix 'kilo-'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a prefix (e.g., kilometre), it is standard and formal. As a standalone noun meaning kilogram, it is informal.
The plural is 'kilos' (e.g., five kilos).
Yes, as a prefix it denotes a factor of one thousand in any metric unit (e.g., kilometre for distance, kilolitre for volume, kilowatt for power).
In meaning, none when referring to weight. 'Kilogram' is the full, formal term; 'kilo' is its common, informal abbreviation.