prop
B2Neutral to informal. More formal in theatre context.
Definition
Meaning
An object used to physically support something, preventing it from falling.
1. An object used on stage or in a film as part of the scenery or by an actor. 2. A person or thing that serves as a source of support, assistance, or encouragement. 3. To support or keep in position.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The theatrical sense ('property') is the origin. The verb 'prop up' is a common phrasal extension. Can imply temporary, artificial, or inadequate support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use all meanings identically. Spelling is the same.
Connotations
Identical across regions.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
prop N against Nprop N upprop N up with NN propped (up) by NVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “prop up the bar (to stand drinking at a bar for a long time)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'The government propped up the failing bank.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing, except in theatre/film studies or metaphorical use in economics/politics.
Everyday
Common: 'I used a book to prop the window open.'
Technical
Specific use in theatre, film, and aviation (propeller).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She propped her bicycle against the fence.
- We had to prop the shelf up with a brick.
American English
- He propped the door open with a chair.
- The regime was propped up by foreign aid.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Use this stick as a prop for the plant.
- The actor held a prop gun.
- The ladder was propped against the wall.
- She is the main prop of the family business.
- The new evidence props up their theory.
- The film's props were incredibly realistic.
- Critics accused the minister of being used as a mere political prop.
- The company's finances were propped up by risky short-term loans.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROPerly placed PROP holding up a wobbly table.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUPPORT IS HOLDING UP; STABILITY IS PHYSICAL PROP
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'prop' as 'реквизит' (rekwizit) outside the theatre context. For a physical support, use 'подпорка', 'опора'. The verb 'to prop up' is often 'подпирать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'prop' for abstract, permanent, or emotional support can sound odd. 'He was my prop during hard times' is acceptable but slightly metaphorical/dated. 'Prop' is often physical/temporary.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'prop' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in theatre, it's short for 'property', meaning any portable object used on stage.
'Prop' often implies a physical object and can suggest something temporary or not part of the original structure. 'Support' is broader and can be abstract or permanent.
Yes, but 'prop up' is more common for the supporting action. 'He propped the picture' is fine, but 'He propped up the picture' is more frequent.
No, that is a separate shortening of 'propeller'. The core meaning of 'support' does not apply to a propeller's function.
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