perforate
C1Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
To make a hole or holes through something by piercing or punching.
Can refer to the process of creating a line of small holes to make tearing easy (e.g., stamps, tickets) or, medically, to pierce or rupture an organ or structure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a transitive verb. Often implies a deliberate, precise action, not random damage. The adjective 'perforated' is far more common than the verb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The process of 'perforation' is universal in manufacturing and medicine.
Connotations
Neutral/technical in both. In everyday UK English, 'perforated' (e.g., 'perforated line') is common; the verb is rarer.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects. More likely encountered in technical manuals, medical reports, or industrial contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] perforates [Object] (with [Instrument])[Object] is perforated (by [Subject])Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The invoice sheets are perforated for easy separation.
Academic
The study examined tools used to perforate Neolithic pottery.
Everyday
Be careful not to perforate the baking parchment with the knife.
Technical
The surgeon must not perforate the bowel during the procedure.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The machine will perforate the card along the dotted line.
- A sharp fragment could perforate the intestine.
American English
- We need to perforate these coupons for the promotion.
- The bullet did not perforate the Kevlar vest.
adverb
British English
- N/A (no standard adverbial form).
American English
- N/A (no standard adverbial form).
adjective
British English
- Tear along the perforated edge.
- He suffered from a perforated appendix.
American English
- Use the perforated section to remove the form.
- The patient has a perforated eardrum.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This paper is perforated. Tear here.
- The doctor said the ulcer might perforate, which is dangerous.
- The industrial press is designed to perforate sheet metal with extreme precision.
- Ancient scribes would sometimes perforate parchment to guide their ruled lines.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ticket with a PERfect line of FORes (holes) to tear along – it's PERFORated.
Conceptual Metaphor
MAKING IS CUTTING / CREATING A BOUNDARY IS PIERCING IT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'пробивать' in all its forceful, crude contexts. 'Perforate' is more precise and technical, closer to 'перфорировать' or 'прокалывать (аккуратно)'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'perforate' intransitively (e.g., 'The ulcer perforated' is correct medically, but in general use, the verb is transitive).
- Confusing 'perforate' (make holes) with 'fracture' (break).
- Overusing the verb; 'perforated' as an adjective is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'perforate' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can refer to making a single hole (e.g., 'perforate the eardrum'), but it often implies a line or pattern of holes for a functional purpose like tearing.
'Perforate' often suggests a more controlled, deliberate action, sometimes creating a pattern. 'Puncture' implies a single, often accidental, hole made by a sharp object (e.g., a puncture in a tyre).
No. The related noun is 'perforation'. The adjective is 'perforated'.
Not in everyday conversation. It's a mid-to-high frequency word in technical, industrial, and medical fields. The adjective 'perforated' is more common in general use.
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