English Reference

Word

holden

Phoneticshold·en

US/ˈhoʊɫdən/

UK/hˈəʊldən/

Definition

n. a famous brand of cars from Australia.

n. A major Australian automotive marque, originally an independent company and later a subsidiary of General Motors.

Examples

“The people were holden by a great fear.”

“In the ancient text, the king was described as being holden in high regard by all his subjects.”

“The legal document, written in a style now long forgotten, stated that the parties were holden to the terms of the agreement until the debt was fully discharged.”

Examples

simple

“The people were holden by a great fear.”

contextual

“In the ancient text, the king was described as being holden in high regard by all his subjects.”

complex

“The legal document, written in a style now long forgotten, stated that the parties were holden to the terms of the agreement until the debt was fully discharged.”

Usage

Proper noun; usually refers to the vehicle brand or a specific car produced by it.

Teaching tip

This is a culturally significant brand in Australia and New Zealand, similar to Ford or Chevrolet in the US.

This entry

Level
C2 · Proficiency
Frequency
Frequent
Updated
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British English

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English Reference