earth
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the planet where humans live, the third planet from the sun.
n.the third planet from the Sun in the solar system. Often capitalised when treated as a proper noun.
Simple“From space, Earth looks like a beautiful blue and white marble.”
In context“The satellite was designed to monitor changes in Earth's atmosphere over a ten-year period to track global warming trends.”
Synonymsthe worldthe globe - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.the substance on the surface of the ground in which plants grow.
n.the loose surface material of the globe in which plants grow; soil or dirt.
Simple“She filled the flower pots with rich brown earth before planting the seeds.”
In context“The gardener turned the earth over with a spade to ensure the young saplings had enough oxygen for their roots.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.the land or the surface of the world, rather than the sea or sky.
n.the solid surface of the world as distinguished from the surrounding water or air.
Simple“The fallen leaves covered the earth like a thick orange carpet.”
In context“After weeks at sea, the sailors were relieved to finally set foot on solid earth once again.”
Synonyms - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a wire that connects an electrical machine to the ground for safety.
n.a connection between an electrical circuit or device and the ground, serving as a safety return path.
Simple“Make sure the green wire is connected to the earth for safety.”
In context“The technician discovered that the fault was caused by a loose earth connection in the main circuit board.”
UsageIn American English, 'ground' is used instead of 'earth' for this sense.
Synonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.one of the four basic parts of nature in old philosophy, along with air, fire, and water.
n.one of the four classical elements in ancient and medieval philosophy.
Simple“Ancient philosophers believed that everything was made of earth, air, fire, and water.”
In context“In many esoteric traditions, the element of earth represents stability, physical form, and the material world.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
v.to connect a piece of electrical equipment to the ground.
v.to connect an electrical conductor or device to the earth. Transitive use.
Simple“You must earth the metal casing of the lamp to prevent electric shocks.”
In context“The building's lightning protection system is designed to earth the massive electrical discharge safely into the soil.”
Synonyms
Usage earth elements
From Middle English erthe, from Old English eorþe, from Proto-Germanic erþō, from Proto-Indo-European h₁er- (“earth”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.