zb station
HighNeutral to Formal
Definition
Meaning
A place or building where a particular public service or transport operation is based or stops.
1. A regular stopping place on a transportation route. 2. A building or establishment for a specific public service (e.g., police, fire). 3. A company or institution involved in broadcasting. 4. One's social position or standing (dated/formal). 5. A place for scientific observation or military posting. 6. In agriculture, a large ranch or farm in Australia/NZ.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary modern sense relates to transport hubs (rail, bus, metro). The sense of 'social position' is now archaic or very formal. The agricultural sense is regionally specific.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK, 'station' commonly means railway station. In US, 'station' can refer to train station, but 'depot' is also used, especially historically. For bus services, UK uses 'bus station', US may use 'bus terminal' or 'depot'. The phrase 'gas station' is exclusively American (UK: 'petrol station').
Connotations
Similar core connotations, though the agricultural 'station' is not used in the US.
Frequency
Both high frequency, with slight contextual preference differences (e.g., 'train station' slightly more common in US vs. just 'station' in UK context).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be stationed at/in [place]station [oneself/sb] at [place]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[one's] station in life”
- “panic station(s) (informal, state of alarm)”
- “manning the stations (being at one's post)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a fixed workplace or branch office (e.g., 'the London station of the bank').
Academic
Used in history/sociology for 'social station'. In sciences, for research/observation points.
Everyday
Overwhelmingly used for transport and service buildings.
Technical
In broadcasting, a specific channel frequency. In computing, a workstation. In military, an assigned post.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The regiment was stationed in Cyprus.
- She stationed herself by the door to greet guests.
American English
- The officer was stationed at Fort Bragg.
- Security was stationed at every entrance.
adjective
British English
- The station clock was five minutes slow.
- He bought a station wagon for the family.
American English
- The station manager announced the delay.
- They rented a station car for the trip.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The train station is next to the park.
- My father works at the police station.
- Could you tell me the way to the nearest underground station?
- The fire station responded to the call within minutes.
- After being stationed abroad for three years, he returned home.
- The radio station is launching a new breakfast show.
- His humble station in life did not prevent him from achieving great things.
- The research team set up a monitoring station in the Arctic.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TRAIN STOPPING AT a place - the 'STA' in STAtion reminds you of 'STAnding still'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY (with stations as stopping points/events); SOCIETY IS A HIERARCHY (station as rank/position).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'station' for a small bus stop (use 'bus stop'). The agricultural 'station' does not translate to 'станция'. 'Station wagon' is a car type (универсал), not a building.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'station' with 'stop' (a station is usually larger). Using 'in the station' vs. 'at the station' (for location, 'at' is standard). Misspelling as 'stasion'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a common meaning of 'station'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are correct. 'Railway station' is more formal/British; 'train station' is common in both UK and US English.
Yes, it means 'to assign or place in a specific location', commonly used for military personnel or positioning oneself.
A 'station' is typically a building or complex with facilities. A 'stop' is a simpler designated place where a vehicle halts, often just a sign or shelter.
It's a car body style with a rear door and extended roof, known as an 'estate car' in British English.