word
A1Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A single, distinct unit of language, either spoken or written, that carries meaning and can stand alone.
A promise, command, or expression of opinion; information or news; a brief conversation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun, but can function as a verb meaning 'to phrase carefully'. Its meaning extends metaphorically from linguistic unit to promise or command.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning. 'Word' as a verb ('to word a letter') is slightly more formal/archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical core connotations. The idiom 'to have a word' (UK) vs 'to have a word with' (US) is structurally similar but the UK version can sound slightly more confrontational in some contexts.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties, with identical rank.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of N (a word of advice)V N (to word a statement)Adj N (the final word)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in other words”
- “keep one's word”
- “break one's word”
- “word for word”
- “from the word go”
- “take someone at their word”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in commitments ('We have his word on it'), branding ('brand word'), and communications ('wording of the contract').
Academic
Precise terminology ('define your key words'), unit of analysis ('word frequency counts'), and in phrases like 'in the words of...'.
Everyday
Ubiquitous for referring to language units, promises ('I give you my word'), and news ('word on the street').
Technical
In linguistics: a lexeme; in computing: a fixed-size unit of data handled by a processor.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She carefully worded her resignation email to avoid causing offence.
- How would you word this delicate question?
American English
- The lawyer worded the contract very precisely.
- I need to word this complaint carefully.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (Not standard; 'wordy' is the adjective.)
American English
- N/A (Not standard; 'wordy' is the adjective.)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is an English word.
- What is the word for 'book'?
- I don't know that word.
- Can I have a word with you after class?
- He always keeps his word.
- She explained it in simple words.
- The wording of the clause is ambiguous and could be challenged.
- Word has it that the manager is leaving.
- I need you to word this feedback more constructively.
- The poet was a master of the mot juste, never using a word inelegantly.
- His statement was a classic piece of diplomatic wording, committing to nothing.
- The leaked memo, word for word, confirmed our suspicions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'world' missing an 'l' – a 'word' is like a small world of meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORDS ARE OBJECTS (to choose words, to weigh one's words); WORDS ARE CURRENCY (to put in a good word); WORDS ARE WEAPONS (sharp words).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overusing 'слово' for 'news' ('новости') or 'promise' ('обещание').
- The verb 'to word' has no direct equivalent; use 'сформулировать' or 'выразить словами'.
- Idioms like 'have a word' do not translate literally.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'a' with uncountable 'word' meaning news (e.g., 'I received a word' -> 'I received word').
- Confusing 'word' (promise) with 'words' (speech) in idioms ('He is a man of his word' not 'words').
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'Word got out about the merger', what does 'word' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily countable ('three words'). It becomes uncountable in fixed phrases meaning 'news' or 'speech' ('Word came that he was safe', 'freedom of word').
'Word' is a general linguistic unit. 'Term' often implies a word with a specific definition in a particular field (e.g., 'scientific term') or a period of time ('term of office').
Yes, but its use is limited. As a verb, it means 'to phrase or express in particular words' (e.g., 'How should I word this invitation?'). It is more common in written and formal contexts.
It means to have a serious argument or dispute with someone, not just a simple conversation.