push
A1Core/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To apply force to (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself or from the source of the force.
To exert pressure; to press or advance persistently; to urge, promote, or sell something vigorously; to approach a certain age, amount, or state.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb of caused motion. Often implies direct physical contact and force against resistance. Can be transitive or intransitive. Also used figuratively for non-physical pressure (e.g., 'push for change').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor differences in idiomatic use (e.g., 'push the boat out' is more common in UK). Spelling of related derivatives (e.g., 'push-up' (US/UK) vs 'press-up' (UK)). 'Pushchair' (UK) vs 'stroller' (US).
Connotations
Similar core connotations. In business, 'to push products' is slightly more direct/salesy in US context. 'Pushy' as an adjective (overly assertive) is common in both.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties with minimal variation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[push] + NP (object)[push] + NP + PP (e.g., into the room)[push] + PP (e.g., against the door)[push] + for + NP (e.g., for change)[push] + NP + to-INF (e.g., push him to decide)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “push the envelope”
- “push your luck”
- “push the boat out”
- “push comes to shove”
- “when push comes to shove”
- “at a push”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
To promote aggressively; to exert pressure to achieve a goal. 'We need to push the new product line this quarter.'
Academic
Used in physics (force), computing (adding to a stack), or figuratively in social sciences (push factors).
Everyday
Physical movement of objects, opening doors, pressing buttons. 'Can you push the pram for a moment?'
Technical
In computing: a command to upload data to a remote repository or add an item to a data stack.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Push the trolley to the checkout, please.
- The government is pushing for tighter regulations.
- He's pushing fifty but still runs marathons.
- Don't push your luck with the boss.
American English
- Push the door; it says 'Push' right there.
- Our team is pushing to finish the project early.
- She's pushing her new book on every talk show.
- Prices are pushing $100 a barrel.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; typically in compounds like 'push-button').
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; typically in compounds like 'push-button').
adjective
British English
- The push fit pipe was easy to install.
- He gave the car a push start.
American English
- The push notification woke me up.
- It's a push-button ignition.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Please push the green button.
- The children push the swing.
- I can't open the window. Can you push harder?
- She pushed the suitcase under the bed.
- He's always pushing me to study more.
- We had to push the broken car to the side of the road.
- The company is pushing into new Asian markets.
- Activists continue to push for environmental reforms.
- You're pushing your luck by asking for another day off.
- The new tax will push many families into poverty.
- Her innovative designs are pushing the boundaries of fashion.
- He pushed the legislation through parliament despite opposition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a big red button with the word 'PUSH' on it. The 'U' looks like a hand pressing it down.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS MOVEMENT FORWARD; PERSUASION IS PHYSICAL FORCE; AGGRESSIVE SALES IS PUSHING.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'pull' (тянуть). 'Push the button' is нажать на кнопку, not 'press' in the same way. Figurative 'push for something' is активно добиваться, not just просить. 'Push yourself' means заставлять себя, not просто двигаться.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'push' with 'press' (more specific, downward force). Using 'push' for pulling actions. Incorrect preposition: 'push at the door' vs 'push the door' or 'push against the door'. Overusing the physical verb for all persuasion contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'push the envelope', what does 'push' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Push' generally implies moving something away from you or forward, often against resistance. 'Press' implies applying steady force, often downward, without necessarily causing movement (e.g., press a button, press clothes).
Yes, as an intransitive verb. E.g., 'Don't push!' or 'The army pushed into the valley.' It can also be used with prepositions: 'push against', 'push for', 'push through'.
No, it is informal and often negative, meaning overly assertive or aggressive in one's demands or promotions.
It's a British English idiom meaning 'if absolutely necessary' or 'with some difficulty'. E.g., 'We can fit five people in the car, six at a push.'