vessel
C1Formal (for container/ship contexts), Technical/Medical (for anatomical/engineering contexts)
Definition
Meaning
a hollow container, especially one used to hold liquids, or a ship or large boat.
1) A tube or duct carrying bodily fluids. 2) A person regarded as a holder or receiver of a particular quality, spirit, or tradition. 3) (Technical/Engineering) A structure designed to hold gases or liquids under pressure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used for larger containers (not cups/bowls). In maritime contexts, 'vessel' is a formal/legal term encompassing all types of ships and boats. The 'person as container' metaphor is literary.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In everyday speech, 'vessel' is rare for simple containers in both varieties; 'pot', 'jar', or 'container' is preferred. The term is equally common in formal/technical registers. The collocation 'blood vessel' is universal.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of formality, technicality, or size. In religious/literary contexts, 'vessel' for a person can imply fragility or sacred purpose.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English in official maritime contexts (e.g., 'fishing vessel', 'merchant vessel'). In US English, 'container ship' or 'tanker' may be used as often as 'container vessel' or 'tanker vessel'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[vessel] + for + (liquid/substance) - a vessel for storing oil[vessel] + of + (abstract quality) - a vessel of wisdom[vessel] + carrying/transporting + (cargo) - a vessel carrying grainVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a broken vessel (literary: a flawed person)”
- “a willing vessel (one receptive to an idea/spirit)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
In shipping/logistics: 'The vessel is scheduled to dock at noon.'
Academic
In biology/medicine: 'The catheter was inserted into the blood vessel.'
Everyday
Rare in casual talk. Possible: 'Careful, that glass vessel is fragile.'
Technical
In engineering: 'The reactor's primary pressure vessel was inspected.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'To vessel' is not a standard verb.
American English
- 'To vessel' is not a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form.
American English
- No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- 'Vessel-like' structures were observed.
- The vessel traffic was heavy.
American English
- The vessel-based research continued.
- A vessel-type identifier.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor checked the blood vessel in my arm.
- We saw a big vessel on the sea.
- Archaeologists found an ancient clay vessel.
- The vessel will arrive at the port tomorrow.
- The chemical reaction takes place inside a sealed steel vessel.
- Coastal patrols monitor all vessels entering territorial waters.
- The poet described the artist as a mere vessel for divine inspiration.
- A minor breach in the reactor's primary containment vessel was reported.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VESSEL as a VEhicular SElf-propelled Ship or a Very Essential Storage SEL.
Conceptual Metaphor
PEOPLE ARE CONTAINERS (e.g., 'She was a vessel of joy'), IDEAS/QUALITIES ARE LIQUIDS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating Russian 'сосуд' (jar/cup) directly as 'vessel' in everyday contexts; use 'cup', 'glass', or 'jar'. Russian 'судно' (ship) maps well to 'vessel' in formal nautical contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'vessel' for a drinking glass (too formal/archaic). Confusing 'blood vessel' with 'vein' or 'artery' (they are types of vessels).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'vessel' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is excessively formal or archaic for everyday containers. Use 'cup', 'mug', or 'glass'.
'Vessel' is a broader, more formal/legal term encompassing all floating craft (ships, boats, barges). All ships are vessels, but not all vessels (e.g., small boats) are typically called 'ships'.
Yes, but this is a metaphorical/literary use, e.g., 'He was a vessel of rage,' implying the person contains that quality.
Primarily, yes. It's an umbrella term for arteries, veins, and capillaries. You wouldn't typically say 'lung vessel' or 'brain vessel'; specific terms like 'airway' or 'capillary' are used.