Word
grounds
US/ˈɡɹaʊndz/
UK/ɡɹˈaʊndz/
Definitions
01reasons or justification
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Law Formal
n. the reasons or facts that justify an action or a decision.
n. the logical or legal basis for an action, belief, or argument. Often used with the preposition 'for'.
“The company had strong grounds for firing the employee after he stole money.”
“The legal team argued that there were sufficient grounds for an appeal based on the discovery of new evidence.”
Usage
Usually plural; often followed by 'for' + noun or 'to' + verb.
Synonyms
02land around a building
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun
n. the gardens and land that belong to a large house or building.
n. the area of land, including gardens and outbuildings, surrounding a large house or institution.
“We spent the afternoon walking around the castle grounds.”
“Security personnel are required to patrol the hospital grounds every two hours to ensure the safety of the patients.”
Usage
Always plural in this sense.
03coffee sediment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Plural noun Cooking
n. the small, solid pieces of coffee left after you make a drink.
n. the solid particles of coffee beans that remain after the brewing process.
“Don't throw the coffee grounds in the sink because they might block the pipe.”
“Many gardeners use spent coffee grounds as a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for their acid-loving plants.”
Usage
Always plural in this sense.
Real-World Examples
“There are seven grounds for this appeal, which will be heard by three judges.” “Kiers now teaches a design course in which she invites grounds crew members to lecture about the mistakes designers make.” “Videos and photos show them raising Israeli flags over the grounds and performing prayers on the land.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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