Word
held
US/ˈhɛɫd/
UK/hˈɛld/
Definition
v. the past tense of 'hold'. It means you kept something in your hand or kept something in a specific position.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'hold'. Refers to the act of grasping, carrying, or supporting something with one's hands or arms, or maintaining a specific state or position.
Examples
“She held the baby in her arms for a long time.”
“The meeting was held in the main conference room to accommodate all the staff members.”
“The ancient pillars held the weight of the massive stone roof for centuries before the structure finally began to show signs of fatigue.”
Examples
simple
“She held the baby in her arms for a long time.”
contextual
“The meeting was held in the main conference room to accommodate all the staff members.”
complex
“The ancient pillars held the weight of the massive stone roof for centuries before the structure finally began to show signs of fatigue.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “held” in context.
Usage
The past tense and past participle of the irregular verb 'hold'. It is transitive when referring to physical objects or events.
Pitfall
The meeting was holded yesterday.
The meeting was held yesterday.
'Hold' is an irregular verb; the past tense and past participle form is 'held', not 'holded'.
Idioms
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
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