mountain
A1Neutral (used in all registers)
Definition
Meaning
A large natural elevation of the earth's surface, rising abruptly from the surrounding level, typically having a peak.
A large amount or heap of something; a difficult challenge or obstacle that must be overcome.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word can be used both literally (geographical feature) and metaphorically (a large quantity or a significant challenge).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs.
Connotations
Universal connotations of grandeur, permanence, and challenge in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
climb a mountaincross the mountainsa mountain of [something]make a mountain out of a molehillVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make a mountain out of a molehill”
- “mountain to climb”
- “move mountains”
- “the mountain has brought forth a mouse”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We have a mountain of paperwork to process before the audit." (Metaphorical: a large amount)
Academic
"The researchers faced a mountain of contradictory data."
Everyday
"Let's go for a walk in the mountains this weekend."
Technical
"The formation of the mountain range is attributed to tectonic uplift."
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Mountain biking is popular in Wales.
- He's planning to mountain climb in Scotland.
American English
- They went mountain biking in Colorado.
- She loves to mountain climb in the Rockies.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used) The path led steeply mountainward.
American English
- (Rarely used) They hiked mountainward for hours.
adjective
British English
- The mountain scenery in the Lake District is stunning.
- They followed a mountain track.
American English
- We drove along a scenic mountain highway.
- The cabin had a real mountain feel.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I can see a big mountain.
- The mountain is very high.
- We plan to climb the mountain next summer.
- There was snow on top of the mountain.
- Despite the mountain of evidence, he refused to admit his mistake.
- The mountain pass was closed due to heavy snowfall.
- The negotiations presented a veritable mountain of diplomatic challenges.
- She possesses the fortitude to move mountains if she sets her mind to it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A MOUNT ain't easy to climb. Think of 'mount' (to climb) + 'ain' (like 'terrain') = elevated terrain.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTIES ARE MOUNTAINS ("We have a mountain to climb to finish this project.") / LARGE QUANTITIES ARE MOUNTAINS ("a mountain of debt")
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'mount' or 'mounting' as in 'mount a picture' or 'mount a horse' (устанавливать, оседлать). The direct translation 'гора' covers most uses.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect article use: 'I climbed the mountain Everest.' (Correct: 'I climbed Mount Everest' or 'I climbed the mountain of Everest.')
- Spelling: 'mountian' is a common misspelling.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the correct meaning of the idiom 'make a mountain out of a molehill'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A mountain is typically taller and steeper than a hill, though there is no official geological distinction. Context and local convention often decide.
No, 'mountain' is not used as a standard verb. The related verb is 'mount' (to climb or get onto). 'Mountain' is used in compound nouns and adjectives like 'mountain climbing'.
In American English, the 't' in 'mountain' is often pronounced as a 'flap t' or a glottal stop, sounding close to 'moun-uhn'. It is not a clear /t/ sound.
Yes, it is commonly used metaphorically to mean a very large amount of something (a mountain of work) or a great difficulty (a mountain to climb).
Collections
Part of a collection
Places in the City
A1 · 50 words · Common buildings and places found in towns and cities.