rid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to semi-formal. Common in both spoken and written language.
Quick answer
What does “rid” mean?
To free oneself or someone/something else from an unwanted, troublesome, or unpleasant person, thing, or condition.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To free oneself or someone/something else from an unwanted, troublesome, or unpleasant person, thing, or condition.
To remove or dispose of something completely; to be relieved or cleansed of a burden, pest, or negative influence. The state of being free from something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is virtually identical in meaning and frequency. Minor preference differences may exist in collocational phrases.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Equally common.
Grammar
How to Use “rid” in a Sentence
[subject] rid [object] of [something][subject] get rid of [something][subject] be rid of [something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “rid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We must rid the garden of these weeds.
- He vowed to rid the company of corrupt practices.
American English
- The treatment rid her of the infection.
- They're trying to rid the neighborhood of graffiti.
adverb
British English
- N/A (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- N/A (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- She was glad to be rid of the responsibility.
- The town is finally rid of that eyesore.
American English
- He's well rid of a bad business partner.
- I'll be rid of this headache by tomorrow.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"We need to rid the supply chain of inefficiencies." (Meaning: eliminate)
Academic
"The study aimed to rid the methodology of sampling bias."
Everyday
"I finally got rid of that old sofa."
Technical
"The software update rids the system of the security vulnerability."
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “rid”
- Using 'rid from' instead of 'rid of'. (Incorrect: *'I rid from the problem.' Correct: 'I rid myself of the problem.')
- Using the base form 'rid' as a present tense verb is rare; 'gets rid' or 'is ridding' are more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The phrase 'get rid of' is by far the most common construction in everyday language.
Rarely. The present tense is often 'gets rid of' or 'is ridding'. The simple present 'He rids...' sounds formal or archaic.
'Rid' often implies a more complete, final, or desired removal, especially from a personal or troublesome context. 'Remove' is more general and neutral.
Yes, the past participle 'rid' functions as an adjective in phrases like 'I'm glad to be rid of it,' meaning 'free from it.'
To free oneself or someone/something else from an unwanted, troublesome, or unpleasant person, thing, or condition.
Rid is usually neutral to semi-formal. common in both spoken and written language. in register.
Rid: in British English it is pronounced /rɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /rɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Good riddance!”
- “Be well rid of someone/something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a RIDer on a horse who kicks off a clinging pest. You want to RID yourself of it.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNWANTED THINGS ARE BURDENS / DISEASES / PARASITES (to rid is to unburden, cure, or cleanse).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'rid' correctly?