ends
- 01 A2 Elementary
the final parts or edges of something.
the terminal points, extremities, or concluding parts of physical objects or time periods.
Simple“The ends of the rope were starting to come apart after years of use.”
In context“By the time the project reached its final stages, the team was struggling to tie up all the loose ends before the holiday break.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the area where you live or the neighbourhood you come from.
the local area or neighbourhood, particularly one's home territory. Plural-only in this sense.
Simple“He hasn't been back to the ends since his family moved to the countryside.”
In context“The artist often references the struggles of growing up in the ends, grounding his lyrics in the specific geography of East London.”
UsageAlways used in the plural form.
Teacher's tipThis is a core term in Multicultural London English (MLE); it often carries a sense of loyalty or identity regarding one's home district.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
a slang word for money.
financial means or money. Plural-only in this sense.
Simple“He's just trying to make some ends so he can pay his rent.”
In context“The hustle was never about fame; it was strictly about making ends and securing a future for his siblings.”
UsageTypically used in the plural.
Teacher's tipThis sense is less common than the 'neighbourhood' sense and is mostly found in specific urban music genres.
Usage ends meet
“Lost Landscapes opens with signature glissandi , features a filmic, jazz-inflected chase and ends in an orchestral death spiral.”
“The programme ends, as these programmes always do, with the rights of reply from the other parties involved.”