skip
B1Neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
to move lightly and quickly, leaving the ground with both feet and landing again; to omit or pass over something intentionally.
To fail to attend or participate in something expected; to move quickly from one point to another, omitting intermediate steps; a large open container for waste.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a verb, often implies a light, playful, or casual omission/movement. As a noun (container), primarily British. The sense of 'omit' is common in instructional contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun meaning 'large waste container' is almost exclusively British (US: dumpster). The verb 'skip school/class' is more common in American English (UK might use 'bunk off' informally).
Connotations
In both varieties, 'skip' can imply irresponsibility when omitting duties (e.g., skip class). The movement sense is neutral.
Frequency
The verb is high-frequency in both. The container noun is high-frequency in UK, very low in US.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
skip [OBJECT] (e.g., skip class)skip [OVER] [OBJECT] (e.g., skip over details)skip [TO] [LOCATION] (e.g., skip to the end)skip [ADVERB] (e.g., skip ahead)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “skip a beat (heart)”
- “skip town”
- “skip it (forget it)”
- “skip the light fantastic (to dance)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We can skip the preliminary meeting and go straight to the proposal.
Academic
The author skips several crucial steps in the argument.
Everyday
I think I'll skip the gym today.
Technical
The algorithm skips invalid data entries.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Let's skip the formalities and get to the point.
- The children skip across the playground.
- The bin lorry comes to empty the skip on Tuesdays.
American English
- I'm going to skip the optional lecture.
- She skipped rope during recess.
- They rented a dumpster for the renovation project.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The little girl can skip.
- Don't skip your breakfast.
- You can skip the introduction if you already know the topic.
- We need to hire a skip for the building waste.
- His heart skipped a beat when he saw the results.
- The film skips back and forth between two timelines.
- The committee decided to skip over the contentious clause for the time being.
- Her research skips nimbly across several academic disciplines.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a child who SKIPS (jumps) over a puddle, thereby omitting the wet part of the path.
Conceptual Metaphor
OMISSION IS PHYSICAL AVOIDANCE (skipping over a problem); HAPPINESS IS LIGHT MOVEMENT (skipping with joy).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'skip class' as 'пропускать класс' (which can mean 'to move up a year in school'). Use 'прогуливать урок'.
- The noun 'skip' (container) has no direct common equivalent; use 'большой контейнер для мусора'.
- Avoid using 'скакать' for the omission sense; it only refers to physical jumping.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'skip' with 'from' incorrectly (e.g., 'skip from page 5' instead of 'skip to page 5').
- Confusing 'skip' (omit) with 'skim' (read quickly).
- Using the container meaning in American contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English does 'skip' commonly mean a large waste container?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but can lean informal, especially when meaning 'not attend' (skip class). In technical or business contexts meaning 'omit', it is acceptable.
Yes. Transitive: 'Skip a page.' Intransitive: 'She skipped down the path.'
'Skip' is a lighter, more rhythmic, often playful step involving a hop on one foot then the other. 'Jump' is a more general term for propelling oneself off the ground.
Yes, it's an informal idiom meaning 'forget it' or 'don't bother', often used to dismiss a topic or suggestion.