The Verb “Run” Has The Most Definitions
Interesting Facts in Easy English
Pre-Listening Vocabulary
- sense: meaning in context
- run a temperature: to have a high body temperature
- run the water: to allow water to pour out of a tap continuously
- run something by someone: to ask someone’s opinion about something
- a vocal run: the singing of one vowel sound with many notes
The Word “Run” Has The Most Definitions
Comprehension Questions
- What is this report mainly about?
- Why would someone “run a temperature”?
- Why are the verbs “put” and “set” mentioned?
Discussion Questions: As a learner of English, how does it make you feel to know that there are over 600 ways to use a single English word? What does this say about the English language?
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The Word “Run” Has The Most Definitions
Did you know that the word “run” has many different meanings and senses. Some dictionaries list over 600 entries for this word. The most common verb meanings are “to advance quickly” and “to operate“. You can also “run a temperature”, “run the water”, and “run something by someone”. The word “run” can also be a noun. Maybe you are “going for a run” after work today. Or, maybe you’re singing a “vocal run”. Some dictionaries group similar meanings under a single entry. Others list distinct entries for each meaning. The verbs “put” and “set” are two other words that usually take up more than one page in a dictionary.
- This report is mainly about the fact that the word “run” has so many dictionary entries.
- Someone would run a temperature if they were sick.
- The verbs “put” and “set” are mentioned because they are other English words with many meanings and senses.
