# grounds

/ˈɡɹaʊndz/ (US) · /ɡɹˈaʊndz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grounds
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. reasons or justification

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the reasons or facts that justify an action or a decision.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. land around a building

noun · CEFR B1

the gardens and land that belong to a large house or building.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. coffee sediment

noun · CEFR B2

the small, solid pieces of coffee left after you make a drink.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The company had legal grounds to fire the employee.
- The judge dismissed the case because there were no reasonable grounds for the lawsuit.
- The committee rejected the proposal on the grounds that it failed to address the environmental impact, citing several specific violations of local regulations.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.