tee
B1Neutral to informal; specialised in golfing contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A small stand or peg, often used to elevate a golf ball before striking it.
The starting point for each hole in golf; also, a T-shaped object or fitting; in computing, a command or connection shaped like a 'T'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily associated with golf. Its other meanings (T-shirt, T-junction, computing 'tee' command) are usually context-dependent or compound forms.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In golf, usage is identical. For 'T-shirt', British English often spells with hyphen ('T-shirt'), while American English frequently uses unhyphenated 'tee shirt' or 'T-shirt'.
Connotations
In both varieties, 'tee' alone strongly connotes golf. In casual contexts, 'tee' can be shorthand for 'T-shirt' (more common in AmE).
Frequency
As a golf term, equally frequent in both. As shorthand for 'T-shirt', slightly more frequent in AmE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
tee (sth) uptee offtee sth up on sthVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tee off on someone (criticise severely)”
- “to a tee (perfectly, exactly)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in branded merchandise ('company tees' for T-shirts).
Academic
Rare, except in geometry ('T-junction') or computing ('tee command' in Unix).
Everyday
Common in golf contexts and casual wear ('wearing a plain tee').
Technical
Golf equipment; computing: a command that reads from standard input and writes to standard output and files.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He carefully teed up the ball.
- Shall we tee off at nine?
American English
- She teed the ball high for a driver.
- They're teeing off in ten minutes.
adjective
British English
- He wore a smart tee-shirt under his jumper.
- The pipe had a tee fitting.
American English
- He grabbed a clean tee shirt from the drawer.
- It's a simple tee joint in the plumbing.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I bought a new white tee.
- He put the ball on the tee.
- You need a tee to play golf properly.
- She likes to wear a plain tee with jeans.
- He teed off early to avoid the crowd.
- The plan suited him to a tee.
- The manager teed up the deal perfectly for the final meeting.
- The command uses a tee to split the output stream.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the letter 'T' – a golf tee is a small 'T' you stick in the ground.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOUNDATION/STARTING POINT (e.g., 'teed up the discussion' = prepared to start).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'tee' (golf) as 'футболка' (t-shirt). The golf term is 'ти' or 'колышек для гольфа'.
- "To a tee" (perfectly) is idiomatic; do not translate literally.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tee' for any shirt (only for T-shirts).
- Confusing 'tee off' (begin golf or attack) with 'kick off' (start a game).
Practice
Quiz
What does the idiom 'to a tee' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is also common shorthand for 'T-shirt' and appears in terms like 'T-junction' and computing commands.
'Tee off' means to start playing a hole in golf or to start something aggressively. 'Tee up' means to place the ball on the tee or to prepare something.
Yes, primarily in golf contexts (e.g., 'tee the ball', 'tee off').
It is neutral, but its use outside of specific contexts (golf, casual clothing) is limited. In most writing, 'T-shirt' is preferred over 'tee' for clarity.