word
/wɜːd/ IELTSAcademic
noun
- 1.
A unit of language with meaning. A word can stand alone or join others to make a sentence.
- Please explain the word clearly.
- This word is hard to pronounce.
- She learned three new words today.
- 2.
A brief message or statement. It often means a short piece of information someone says or writes.
- He had a word with his manager.
- Can I have a word with you?
- She left a word of thanks.
verb
To choose words in a particular way. Writers use this to describe how something is said or written.
- She worded the email carefully.
- Can you word this more politely?
- He worded his answer very well.
Adinary Nuance
Word is the basic unit of language, so it is broader than term or expression. A term is often a special word used in a subject like science or law. An expression is usually a phrase, not just one word. In everyday speech, word can also mean a short message: “Have a word with me.”
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- từ
- Spanish
- palabra
- Chinese
- 单词
- Japanese
- 単語
- Korean
- 단어
Etymology
Old English word, from Proto-Germanic *wurdan. It has been part of English since before the year 1000.
Common phrases
have a wordin other wordsword for wordkeep your word
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is 'word' a countable noun?
- Yes. You can say one word, two words, many words.
- What is the difference between 'word' and 'term'?
- 'Word' is general. 'Term' is often a technical or subject-specific word.
- Can 'word' mean a short message?
- Yes. In speaking, it can mean a short talk or message.
- Is 'word' used in formal writing?
- Yes. It is very common in both formal and everyday English.