ream
LowNeutral for noun; technical or informal for verb meanings.
Definition
Meaning
A standard quantity of paper, typically consisting of 500 sheets.
As a verb, to enlarge a hole with a reamer (a tool); to criticize someone severely; to extract juice from fruit; or to cheat or swindle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun is specific to paper measurement. Verb meanings are context-dependent: 'ream out' for criticizing is informal and more common in American English, while 'ream a hole' is technical in machining.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb 'ream out' (to criticize) is less common in British English compared to American English. The noun usage is similar.
Connotations
In American English, 'ream someone out' has a strong negative connotation of harsh criticism.
Frequency
The phrasal verb 'ream out' is more frequently used in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
transitive: ream somethingphrasal verb: ream someone out for somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ream someone out”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in printing and office supplies, e.g., 'Order a ream of paper for the printer.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in technical texts on paper manufacturing or engineering.
Everyday
Not common; typically in contexts involving paper or informal criticism.
Technical
In machining, to ream a hole means to enlarge it precisely with a reamer.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The engineer reamed the hole to the exact diameter.
American English
- The supervisor reamed out the team for missing the deadline.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I need a ream of paper for my printer.
- She bought a ream of coloured paper for the project.
- The mechanic reamed the bolt hole to fit the new part.
- After the error, the manager reamed out the entire department during the meeting.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Associate 'ream' with 'dream' of having a large stack of paper.
Conceptual Metaphor
'Ream out' uses the metaphor of hollowing or cleaning out to mean criticizing thoroughly.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'ream' directly as 'рим' (Rome); for paper, use 'пачка бумаги'. For verb meanings, context is key to avoid confusion.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'ream' with 'rim', or using 'ream' as a verb without 'out' for the criticizing meaning.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'ream someone out' typically mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A ream is a standard quantity of paper, usually 500 sheets, used in printing and office contexts.
Yes, as a verb, it can mean to enlarge a hole with a tool, to criticize severely, to extract juice, or to cheat, depending on the context.
No, it is a low-frequency word, more often encountered in specific fields like business, printing, or technical trades.
It is pronounced /riːm/ in both British and American English, rhyming with 'beam' or 'dream'.