fish
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a cold-blooded animal that lives in water and breathes through gills.
n.a cold-blooded vertebrate animal that lives in water, typically possessing fins and breathing through gills.
Simple“The children spent the afternoon watching the colorful fish swim in the pond.”
In context“Marine biologists are studying how certain species of deep-sea fish have adapted to extreme pressure and total darkness.”
PitfallI saw three fishes in the tank. I saw three fish in the tank.The plural of 'fish' is usually 'fish' when referring to multiple individuals of the same type. Use 'fishes' only when discussing different species.
- 02 A1 Beginner
n.the meat of a fish eaten as food.
n.the flesh of fish used as a dietary protein source.
Simple“We usually have grilled fish with a side of vegetables for dinner.”
In context“The restaurant is famous for serving fresh fish caught by local boats earlier that morning.”
Synonyms - 03 A2 Elementary
v.to try to catch fish from a river, lake, or the sea.
v.to attempt to catch fish or other aquatic animals for sport or food.
Simple“My grandfather likes to fish in the lake behind his house every weekend.”
In context“Commercial vessels fish these waters extensively during the summer months to meet the high demand for tuna.”
Synonyms - 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to search for something hidden among other things using your hands.
v.to search for or attempt to find something by reaching into a container or among other objects.
Simple“She had to fish around in her large bag for several minutes to find her keys.”
In context“He reached into the dark drawer and fished for a spare battery until his fingers brushed against something metallic.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to try to get information or a compliment from someone in an indirect way.
v.to attempt to elicit information, praise, or a specific reaction through indirect questioning or artifice.
Simple“I think he is just fishing for a compliment when he says his work is bad.”
In context“The journalist was clearly fishing for a headline by asking the senator leading questions about the scandal.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'fishing for compliments'.
- 06 C1 Advanced
n.a person who is easily tricked or a new prisoner who is at risk.
n.a person who is easily swindled or a new, vulnerable inmate in a prison context.
Simple“The professional gamblers realized the newcomer was a fish and took his money.”
In context“In the harsh environment of the correctional facility, the older inmates immediately identified the new arrival as a fish.”