word
word — verb
1. to pick the best words to communicate a thought in speech or writing, adjusting
to pick the best words to communicate a thought in speech or writing, adjusting the phrasing to produce the desired effect on the listener or reader
The committee asked Yan to word the statement so that no one would feel blamed.
word + direct object + purpose clause
Nadia worded her wedding invitation with great care to include both families equally.
worded + noun phrase + prepositional phrase of manner
The apology letter was worded too formally, and it sounded insincere to the staff.
passive: be worded + adverb
Rohan worded his resignation letter so well that his boss offered him a promotion instead.
worded + noun phrase + manner clause with 'so...that'
The survey questions were worded in a confusing way, which led to unreliable results.
passive: be worded + prepositional phrase of manner + result clause
- word carefully
- word politely
- word badly
- word clearly
- word vaguely
- word a statement
- word a response
- word a request
- word an apology
- word a letter
- word an email
Grammar Patterns
word + noun phrase + adverb
be worded + adverb
word + noun phrase + prepositional phrase
Usage Note
Often used with adverbs describing the quality or effect of the phrasing (carefully, politely, badly, clearly, vaguely). Passive constructions are frequent because the focus is usually on the phrasing itself rather than who produced it.
Common Mistakes
word — noun
1. a distinct unit of speech or writing that communicates a particular meaning, suc
a distinct unit of speech or writing that communicates a particular meaning, such as 'garden' or 'slowly'
Ritu learned five new English words from the dictionary this morning.
collocation: learn a word / learn words
Write down every word the teacher says during the lesson.
The word 'library' has seven letters in it.
grammar: the word + [written form]
Nadia looked up the word 'courage' in her pocket dictionary before writing her essay.
collocation: look up a word
- learn a word
- new word
- foreign word
- dictionary word
- spell a word
- word meaning
- term
more technical or formal, often used in specialized contexts like medicine or law
- lexical item
very technical, used mainly in linguistics, not everyday speech
Usage Note
This is the core sense of 'word' that learners encounter first. A word can be spoken aloud or written down, and different languages arrange words in different orders.
Common Mistakes
2. a way of referring to a taboo or offensive word by saying only its first letter
a way of referring to a taboo or offensive word by saying only its first letter instead of the full form, as in 'the F-word' or 'the N-word'
Hannah told her friend she heard the F-word during the argument at the party.
pattern: the F-word / the S-word / the N-word
The TV show bleeped out the S-word while Brian was watching with his kids.
My grandmother is old-fashioned — she says 'the D-word' when she means 'divorce'.
pattern: the [letter]-word as euphemism
At the dinner table, Mira's little brother kept asking what the B-word means.
- the F-word
- the N-word
- the S-word
- the C-word
- use the [letter]-word
- say the [letter]-word
- euphemism
broader term covering any mild replacement for a harsh word, not just one starting with a letter
Usage Note
Only the first letter is spoken or written; the full taboo word is not uttered. Common letters: F, S, N, C, D. This pattern can also be extended humorously to non-taboo topics ('the E-word' for exercise).
Common Mistakes
3. a short spoken remark or brief discussion about something, such as giving advice
a short spoken remark or brief discussion about something, such as giving advice, saying thanks, or sharing an opinion
Paloma said a few words of thanks to the volunteers who helped her move house.
pattern: a few words of [thanks / advice / warning]
Before the test, the teacher said a word of encouragement that made the class smile.
pattern: a word of [encouragement / advice / warning]
Rania caught the teacher after class for a quick word about her exam grade.
collocation: have a quick word
During the meeting, Yumi gave a word of warning about the upcoming budget cuts.
pattern: a word of [warning / advice / thanks]
- have a word
- a word of advice
- a word of warning
- a word of thanks
- a few words
- say a word
- kind words
Grammar Patterns
have a word with [someone]
a word of [something]
a few words
Common Mistakes
4. spoken or written statements that are not matched by any real action or follow-t
spoken or written statements that are not matched by any real action or follow-through, often used critically
The committee's promises were just words — no one actually changed anything in the end.
collocation: just words
Jiwoo is tired of hearing empty words from leaders who never keep their campaign promises.
collocation: empty words
A good manager knows that actions speak louder than words when earning the team's trust.
proverb: actions speak louder than words
The mayor's speech was full of fine words, but the homeless shelter never got built.
collocation: fine words
- just words
- empty words
- mere words
- words without action
- more than words
- empty talk
similar meaning but slightly more informal, emphasises the lack of content
- hot air
informal, more dismissive tone, suggests boastfulness too
Usage Note
Frequently appears in the fixed phrases 'just words', 'empty words', and 'mere words'. The contrast is always between what is said and what is actually done.
Common Mistakes
5. to have a brief, friendly conversation with someone, typically about everyday ma
to have a brief, friendly conversation with someone, typically about everyday matters
Anya exchanged a few words with the librarian before heading to her morning class.
pattern: exchange a few words with [someone]
Élise and Brian exchanged words about the weather while waiting for the school bus.
The two neighbours stopped on the street to exchange words about the new café nearby.
pattern: exchange words about [topic]
Nadia and the bus driver exchanged a few words about the traffic on the highway.
pattern: exchange a few words about [topic]
- exchange words
- exchange a few words
- have a quick word
- chat
more informal, can be longer than 'exchanging a few words'
- talk briefly
slightly more general, not tied to a fixed phrase
Grammar Patterns
exchange words + with + [someone]
exchange a few words + with + [someone]
Usage Note
Distinguish from sense 6: 'exchange words' in this sense is always friendly or neutral. If the exchange is angry or involves a quarrel, sense 6 applies. Adding 'a few' helps signal the friendly reading: 'exchange a few words' is almost always sense 5.
Common Mistakes
6. to argue or quarrel angrily with someone, often over a disagreement or wrongdoin
to argue or quarrel angrily with someone, often over a disagreement or wrongdoing
Tendai and his neighbour had words over the loud construction work at dawn.
pattern: have words over [something]
The two players exchanged angry words after the referee made a controversial call.
pattern: exchange [adjective] words
Ritu's parents had words with the school principal about unfair treatment of students at lunch.
pattern: have words with [someone] about [something]
Two committee members exchanged sharp words over who should take the blame for the delay.
collocation: exchange sharp words
- have words
- exchange angry words
- exchange harsh words
- have words with
- words over
- reconciliation
the opposite outcome — making peace after a quarrel
Grammar Patterns
have words + with + [someone]
exchange words + with + [someone]
exchange harsh / angry / sharp words
Usage Note
The phrase 'have words' always signals an argument, never a friendly chat. 'Exchange words' can be either friendly (sense 5) or angry (sense 6) — look at context and adjectives ('angry words', 'harsh words') to determine which sense applies.
Common Mistakes
7. a brief, serious talk in which you point out to someone that their behaviour was
a brief, serious talk in which you point out to someone that their behaviour was unacceptable or that they made an error
After the boy talked back, the principal asked for a word with him.
have a word with [person] — brief disciplinary talk
Shirin was in trouble when her manager called her in for a quiet word.
quiet word — euphemism for a reprimand
Tara's dad asked for a word with her after she came home past curfew.
Erik's mother had a word with him about his rude behaviour at the dinner table.
The manager had a quiet word with Quinn about arriving late to work every day.
pattern: have a word with [someone] about [something] — reprimand for lateness
- have a word
- quiet word
- a word with someone
Grammar Patterns
have a word with [person]
8. a single spoken sound or group of sounds that carries meaning, especially used w
a single spoken sound or group of sounds that carries meaning, especially used when talking about someone learning to speak or choosing not to speak
The baby said her first word at eleven months old, and her parents were thrilled.
first word — baby's initial spoken word
Élise was so upset that she could not get a word out for several minutes.
not get a word out — unable to speak due to emotion
Asher did not utter a single word during the meeting, even when asked directly.
not utter a word — deliberately refrain from speaking
The old man's last word before he passed away was a whisper of gratitude.
- first word
- say a word
- utter a word
- get a word out
- utterance
more formal, often used in academic or linguistic contexts
Usage Note
Commonly used in negative constructions ('not a word', 'without a word') or with possessive adjectives ('my first word', 'his last word').
9. a spoken statement of praise or support made to help someone get a job, an oppor
a spoken statement of praise or support made to help someone get a job, an opportunity, or acceptance into a group
Marco's old manager put in a good word when he applied for the new job.
put in a good word for [person] — recommend someone
João got the internship because a professor put in a word for him.
If you know the director, could you put in a good word for my application?
Imani's teacher put in a word for her with the scholarship committee.
- put in a good word
- put in a word
- recommendation
more formal and usually written rather than spoken
- reference
a formal written statement of support, not just a spoken one
Grammar Patterns
put in a good word for [person]
10. news or information passed from one person or place to another, especially when
news or information passed from one person or place to another, especially when the details are not yet fully known
Word came that the hospital had found a suitable donor for the operation.
word came that… — news arrived
Rin sent word to her family that she had arrived safely in Taipei.
send word — send a message
We received word that the flight was cancelled due to the storm.
No word has come from the rescue team since they entered the cave.
- word came
- send word
- receive word
- word spread
Grammar Patterns
word came that…
send word
receive word
Usage Note
Always used without an article ('word came', not 'a word came'), and cannot be pluralised in this sense.
Common Mistakes
11. a firm promise or assurance about something you commit to doing, often used in f
a firm promise or assurance about something you commit to doing, often used in fixed phrases like 'give your word' or 'keep your word'
I gave Dewi my word that I would help her move into her new apartment.
give [someone] your word — make a promise
Justin kept his word and returned the money on Friday, just as promised.
keep your word — do what you promised
I will not break my word — you can count on me to be there.
break your word — fail to keep a promise
My grandmother was a woman of her word, so everyone trusted her.
- give your word
- keep your word
- break your word
- a man of his word
Grammar Patterns
give [possessive] word
keep [possessive] word
break [possessive] word
Usage Note
Always used with a possessive adjective ('my word', 'his word') when referring to a specific promise. Cannot be modified by adjectives or used in the plural.
Common Mistakes
12. an order or command, typically given verbally by someone in a position of author
an order or command, typically given verbally by someone in a position of authority, telling others when to start or stop an action
The general gave the word for the soldiers to begin their advance at dawn.
give the word — give an order to begin
Everyone stood at the line, waiting for the coach to give the word to go.
Nora was packed and ready to leave the moment her supervisor gave the word.
The referee gave the word and the boxers stepped forward to begin the match.
- give the word
- be waiting for the word
Grammar Patterns
give the word
word of command
Usage Note
Always used with the definite article ('give the word'), never 'a word' or 'words', in this sense.
Common Mistakes
What someone actually does is more important than what they say.
Min promised to help, but actions speak louder than words.
Don't just tell me you care; actions speak louder than words.
To argue with someone or speak to them in a rude way.
I don't want to bandy words with you about this.
They spent the whole evening bandying words over politics.
be a dirty word
idiomTo be a subject or idea that people consider bad or immoral.
In this company, failure is a dirty word.
To many people, tax is a dirty word.
be lost for words
idiomTo be so surprised or confused that you cannot think of anything to say.
When she saw the surprise party, she was lost for words.
He was lost for words after hearing the shocking news.
beyond words
idiomIn a way that cannot be described with words.
The beauty of the sunset was beyond words.
Her kindness to me has been beyond words.
by word of mouth
idiomThrough people telling each other, not through reading or advertising.
The news spread by word of mouth through the village.
This café gets customers mainly by word of mouth.
eat your words
idiomTo admit that what you said was wrong.
He predicted I would fail, but I made him eat his words.
After the team won, the critics had to eat their words.
famous last words
idiomUsed to express doubt about someone's overly confident statement.
"I'll finish this in an hour." "Famous last words!" said Sara.
He said the project was easy. Famous last words!
From the very beginning.
She was against the plan right from the word go.
From the word go, the team worked well together.
To be unable to say anything because someone else is talking too much.
During the meeting, I couldn't get a word in edgeways.
Maya talks so fast that no one can get a word in.
To listen very carefully and with admiration to someone.
The students hung on the professor's every word.
During the speech, the audience hung on his words.
To speak to someone privately about something.
Can I have a word in your ear about the budget?
She had a word in his ear before the meeting started.
To have an argument with someone.
They had words over who should clean the kitchen.
After the game, words were exchanged between the coaches.
in other words
idiomUsed to introduce a simpler or clearer explanation of something.
The project failed; in other words, we wasted our time.
He is no longer with us. In other words, he quit.
Not using the exact words that someone claims were used.
Did she say she was angry? Not in so many words.
He told me in so many words that I was fired.
in a word
idiomUsed to give a very short, often negative, answer or comment.
"Did you enjoy the movie?" "In a word, no."
In a word, the plan is too risky.
Using very simple language so that everyone can understand.
Could you explain that in words of one syllable?
He explained the rules in words of one syllable for the children.
The final comment or decision about something.
The manager always has the last word on hiring.
My final word on this is: we need more time.
The most recent, fashionable, or advanced thing of its kind.
This smartphone is the last word in technology.
Her dress was the last word in elegance.
mum’s the word!
idiomUsed to tell someone to keep a secret and say nothing.
Don't tell anyone about the party. Mum's the word!
Mum's the word about the surprise gift.
To never say anything positive about someone or something.
She doesn't have a good word to say for her ex-boss.
Nobody had a good word to say about the new policy.
To speak in a direct and honest way, even if it might offend.
He doesn't mince words when he criticizes poor work.
She minced no words in telling him he was wrong.
the operative word
idiomUsed to emphasize that a particular word is the most important in a sentence.
I "like" him—'like' being the operative word.
He said he "might" come—'might' is the operative word.
a play on words
idiomA humorous use of a word or phrase that has two different meanings.
The joke was a clever play on words.
His speech included a play on words that made everyone laugh.
What is published in books, newspapers, and other printed materials.
She believes in the power of the printed word.
The printed page still has a strong influence on society.
To praise someone to another person in order to help them get a job or advantage.
If you see the manager, put in a good word for me.
She put in a word for her friend during the interview.
To claim that someone said something that they did not actually say.
Stop putting words into my mouth; I never said that.
The reporter tried to put words into the politician's mouth.
say/give the word
idiomTo give an order or make a request.
Just say the word, and I'll start the engine.
Give the word, and we'll launch the product.
To believe exactly what someone says or promises.
He said I could borrow his car, so I took him at his word.
She offered to help, and I took her at her word.
To say exactly what someone else was about to say.
You took the words right out of my mouth; I was thinking that.
When she suggested pizza, he said she took the words out of his mouth.
Extremely funny, silly, ridiculous, etc.
The clown's performance was too funny for words.
His excuse was too ridiculous for words.
a war of words
idiomA long and bitter argument between two or more people or groups.
The politicians engaged in a war of words over taxes.
A war of words broke out between the two companies.
weigh your words
idiomTo choose your words carefully so that you say exactly what you mean.
Before answering, he weighed his words carefully.
She weighed her words before criticizing her colleague.
(upon) my word
idiomUsed to express surprise about something.
My word, that's a huge cake!
Upon my word, I never expected to see you here.
word for word
idiomUsing exactly the same words; in a literal translation.
She repeated the instructions word for word.
The translation was done word for word.
Someone's promise can be trusted completely.
You can trust him; his word is his bond.
In business, her word is her bond.
words to that effect
idiomUsed to indicate that you are giving the general meaning of what someone said, not the exact words.
He said he was unhappy, or words to that effect.
She told me to leave, or words to that effect.
the written word
idiomLanguage expressed in writing rather than in speech.
The written word has a lasting power.
She prefers the written word to spoken conversation.
word — exclamation
1. a slang exclamation used in Black American speech and hip-hop contexts to show y
a slang exclamation used in Black American speech and hip-hop contexts to show you fully agree with what was just said
Omar said, "That beat is fire!" and Jabari replied, "Word!"
interjection showing strong agreement
Mei told everyone the exam was cancelled, and Minh nodded and said, "Word."
Asher said practice was over early, and Ignacio grinned and said, "Word!"
Beatriz said the party was going to be epic, and Ayana grinned and said, "Word!"
Usage Note
Typically said with emphasis and accompanied by a nod. Only used in very casual conversation among friends.
Common Mistakes
2. a slang exclamation used in Black American speech and hip-hop contexts to react
a slang exclamation used in Black American speech and hip-hop contexts to react with surprise to something just said and ask whether it is really true
Christopher said he had never eaten sushi, and Noa looked at him and asked, "Word?"
rising intonation signals a question
Ignacio claimed he could run a mile in four minutes. Asher raised an eyebrow. "Word?"
Bilal said he saw a shooting star, and Bao looked up and said, "Word?"
Aoi mentioned the store was giving away free food, and Wren asked, "Word?"
- for real?
same discourse function and register
- seriously?
more widely used across different social groups
- you kidding?
slightly more confrontational tone
Usage Note
Spoken with rising intonation to show surprise. The speaker expects the other person to confirm or explain what was just said.
Common Mistakes
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
All four words refer to units of language, but they differ in scope and technicality. 'Word' is the everyday, all-purpose term — the smallest free-standing unit of meaning (e.g. 'garden', 'slowly'). 'Term' is more formal and usually tied to a specific domain or discipline: 'legal term', 'medical term', 'technical term', whereas 'word' would sound too casual in those contexts. 'Expression' is broader than 'word' — it can be a single word (a fixed expression) but more often covers a multi-word string that conveys a particular idea ('the expression "break a leg"'). 'Phrase' is more grammatical: it refers to a group of words that function as a unit inside a sentence ('a noun phrase', 'a prepositional phrase'). In everyday conversation, learners can safely use 'word' for general reference and 'term' when discussing specialised vocabulary. Example: 'The word "photosynthesis" is a scientific term, not an everyday expression.'
Common collocations
Phrases
- in other words (換句話說)
- by word of mouth (口耳相傳)
- word for word (逐字地)
- take someone's word for it (相信某人的話)
- spread the word (傳播消息)
- say the word (下令；開口說一聲)
- give one's word (承諾；保證)
- have a word (with) (私下談話；告誡)
- word on the street (坊間傳聞)
- from the word go (從一開始)
- a man / woman of their word (言出必行的人)
- not a word (一個字也不說)
- in a word (總而言之)
- actions speak louder than words (行動勝於空談)
- beyond words (難以言喻)
- in so many words (直截了當地說)
- eat one's words (承認說錯話)
- get a word in edgeways (插得上話)
- the last word (最終決定權；最後一句話)
- put words into someone's mouth (曲解某人的話；硬說某人說過某話)
- word play (文字遊戲)
- word processing / word processor (文書處理／文書處理軟體)
Etymology
From Old English 'word' (7th century onwards) meaning a unit of speech, an utterance, or a command. It traces back through Proto-Germanic '*wurdan' to the Indo-European root '*wr̥dʰh₁om' (speak, say), sharing ancestry with Latin 'verbum' and Greek 'eirein' (to speak). The core sense — a meaningful unit of language — has remained stable for over 1,400 years, while specialised senses (PROMISE, ORDER, NEWS) emerged in the medieval period.