la mesa
A1Neutral, formal and informal
Definition
Meaning
A piece of furniture with a flat top and one or more legs, used for placing objects on.
An arrangement of data in rows and columns; a list of facts or figures; a flat surface on a machine or device; a group of people meeting for a meal or discussion.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core meaning is a piece of furniture. The term can be used metonymically ('set the table', 'at the negotiating table'). Also used in idioms related to presenting information ('table a proposal') or delaying it ('table a motion').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'to table a motion' means to propose it for discussion. In US English, it typically means to postpone or shelve it. The item of furniture has no major distinction.
Connotations
Neutral for furniture; business/political connotations for the verb form.
Frequency
Very high frequency for the noun referring to furniture. The verb usage is common in formal/business contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to table somethingto be at the tableto sit at the tableVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to turn the tables”
- “to put your cards on the table”
- “to table a motion”
- “to bring to the table”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A table of figures; to table an agenda item.
Academic
A statistical table; data presented in tabular form.
Everyday
We need a new kitchen table. Let's eat at the table.
Technical
Periodic table; water table; truth table.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The MP decided to table an amendment to the bill.
- They will table the report at the next meeting.
American English
- The committee voted to table the proposal indefinitely.
- Let's table this discussion for next week.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as an adverb)
American English
- (Rarely used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The table lamp was a perfect fit.
- He bought a new table football game.
American English
- We need new table linens for the dinner party.
- She excels at table tennis.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I put my book on the table.
- We eat dinner at the kitchen table.
- There are four chairs around the table.
- Could you please set the table for six?
- He looked up the results in the table on page 22.
- They managed to get a table by the window.
- The proposal was tabled due to a lack of consensus.
- The data was presented in a complex multi-page table.
- She has a lot to bring to the table in terms of experience.
- The negotiations finally got back to the table after weeks of stalemate.
- The geologist studied the fluctuations in the water table.
- He masterfully turned the tables on his opponent during the debate.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A TABLE is always ABLE to hold things on its flat surface.
Conceptual Metaphor
A flat, stable surface for displaying or organizing things. A platform for gathering or negotiation.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The Russian word 'стол' directly translates to 'table', causing no trap for the core meaning. However, 'таблица' in Russian is also 'table' in English (data table). This is a cognate pair, so no direct trap.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'desk' (for work) with 'table' (general use). Misusing the verb form in UK/US contexts (to table vs. to shelve).
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what does 'to table a proposal' most likely mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. A 'desk' is a type of table designed for work, study, or office use, often with drawers. A 'table' is more general-purpose.
It means to reverse a situation so that you gain an advantage over someone who previously had an advantage over you.
Be aware of the key UK/US difference. In UK contexts, it means 'to present for discussion'. In US contexts, it usually means 'to postpone'. It's best to clarify your meaning in international settings.
It is the underground level below which the ground is saturated with water. It's a technical/geological use of 'table'.