mast
B2Technical (nautical, engineering), literary, formal
Definition
Meaning
A tall vertical pole or spar on a ship or boat that supports sails, rigging, or flags.
Any tall, upright pole or structure, such as a radio/television transmitter, a flagpole, or a vertical support in construction. Also refers to the nuts of forest trees (especially beech and oak) used as food for pigs.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The nautical sense is primary and most frequent. The 'nuts as food' sense is archaic/regional (UK). The word is polysemous but senses are generally distinct by context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. The 'nuts as food' sense is more likely found in older British texts or regional UK dialects.
Connotations
Similar connotations of strength, height, and support in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to maritime history, but common in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[ship/boat] + has + a + [adj] + mast[crew] + climb + the + mast[storm/wind] + broke + the + mast[structure] + is supported by + a + mastVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nail one's colours to the mast”
- “before the mast”
- “at half-mast”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like shipping, telecommunications, or construction.
Academic
Used in history (naval), engineering, and literature.
Everyday
Understood but not common; used when discussing boats, sailing, or tall structures.
Technical
Common in nautical terminology, broadcasting (radio mast), and structural engineering.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The ship was masted with three sturdy spars.
- They will mast the new yacht in the spring.
American English
- The schooner was masted with Douglas fir.
- We need to mast the boat before the regatta.
adverb
British English
- The flag flew mast high in the wind.
- He secured the line mast aft.
American English
- The antenna was mounted mast up on the roof.
- The sail was hoisted mast aloft.
adjective
British English
- The mast step was reinforced.
- He inspected the mast head light.
American English
- The mast base showed signs of wear.
- Check the mast rigging for corrosion.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The ship has a big white mast.
- Look at the tall mast on that boat!
- The sailor climbed the mast to fix the sail.
- A strong wind broke the ship's mast during the storm.
- The yacht's aluminium mast withstood the gale-force winds.
- Telecommunications companies erect tall masts to broadcast signals.
- The historical frigate's mainmast, hewn from a single tree, was a marvel of naval engineering.
- Protesters nailed their manifesto to the mast, declaring their unwavering position.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MAST as a MASSIVE pole that holds SAILS up high. MAST and MASSIVE share the 'mas' sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
UPRIGHT IS STRONG/SUPPORTIVE; A LEADER/ORGANIZATION IS A SHIP (e.g., 'the mast of the company').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'масть' (suit in cards) or 'мастак' (expert). The closest is 'мачта' (nautical/antenna mast). The 'nuts' sense has no direct common equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'mast' with 'must'. Using 'mast' as a verb (it is primarily a noun). Misspelling as 'maste'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'mast' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while its primary meaning is nautical, it is also used for any tall pole-like structure, such as radio masts, flagpoles, or construction supports.
It means a flag is flown halfway down the mast as a sign of respect, mourning, or distress.
Yes, but it is rare and technical. It means to fit or provide a ship with a mast or masts.
A 'mast' is specifically a tall pole or spar designed to support something (sails, antennas), often on a moving vessel or as a major structural element. A 'pole' is a more general term for a long, slender piece of wood or metal.
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