shoulder
HighNeutral
Definition
Meaning
The part of the body where the arm joins the torso, forming a joint and a prominent surface.
A part of an object resembling or functioning like the human shoulder; to accept a burden or responsibility; to push with the shoulder.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word functions primarily as a noun denoting a body part or analogous object part. As a verb, it is commonly used figuratively to mean 'to bear a burden' and literally to mean 'to push with the shoulder.' The plural form 'shoulders' often carries the figurative meaning of responsibility or support.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. Minor spelling variations exist in derived forms (e.g., 'shouldering'). The idiom 'cold shoulder' is used in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical in core connotations of strength, burden-bearing, and support.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
shoulder + [noun] (responsibility, burden, cost, blame)shoulder + [one's way] + [prepositional phrase] (through, into)verb + shoulder (dislocate, injure, tap on the)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “give someone the cold shoulder”
- “shoulder to shoulder”
- “look over one's shoulder”
- “a chip on one's shoulder”
- “straight from the shoulder”
- “rub shoulders with”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used figuratively for responsibility: 'The department will shoulder the additional costs.'
Academic
Used in anatomy, biomechanics, and figuratively in social sciences: 'The study examined load distribution across the shoulder joint.'
Everyday
Primarily literal for body part and common idioms: 'My shoulder hurts.' 'She gave him the cold shoulder.'
Technical
Specific to anatomy (glenohumeral joint), engineering (shoulder of a road/rail), and tailoring (part of a garment).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He had to shoulder the responsibility for the project's failure.
- The footballer shouldered his way past the defender.
American English
- She will shoulder the burden of organizing the event.
- He shouldered his rifle and headed into the woods.
adjective
British English
- He was a broad-shouldered rugby player.
- They hiked along a narrow shoulder-high path.
American English
- She bought a new shoulder-length wig.
- The patient had a dislocated shoulder injury.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a bag on my shoulder.
- He hurt his shoulder playing football.
- Could you look over my shoulder and check this email?
- They walked shoulder to shoulder along the beach.
- The government must shoulder the blame for the economic crisis.
- The road's shoulder was littered with debris.
- The new CEO immediately shouldered the daunting task of corporate restructuring.
- His polemical writing style means his criticisms are always straight from the shoulder.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SOLDIER carrying a heavy load on their SHOULDER. Both words share the 'should' sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESPONSIBILITY/DIFFICULTY IS A BURDEN ON THE SHOULDERS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend: Russian 'шoulder' is a borrowing, but the verb 'to shoulder' (a responsibility) is not directly equivalent to 'брать на плечи' in all contexts.
- The idiom 'cold shoulder' has no direct equivalent; do not translate literally.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'He patted me in/on my shoulder.' Correct: 'He patted me on the shoulder.'
- Using the verb 'shoulder' for light or trivial tasks sounds unnatural; it implies a significant burden.
Practice
Quiz
In the idiom 'a chip on his shoulder', what does 'chip' metaphorically represent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is used for animals and objects with a similar shape or function, like the 'shoulder of a hill', 'shoulder of a road', or 'shoulder of a bottle'.
'Shoulder' is a noun for the body part or a verb meaning to bear. 'Shrug' is a verb meaning to raise and lower the shoulders briefly, often to express indifference.
Yes, in contexts of support and shared effort: 'We stand shoulder to shoulder with our allies.'
It is neutral but slightly more formal than 'take on'. It is common in written and spoken English when discussing responsibility or burdens.
Collections
Part of a collection
Body and Health
A1 · 49 words · Parts of the body and basic health vocabulary.