Word
insulating
Phoneticsin·su·lat·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɪnsəˌɫeɪtɪŋ/
UK/ˈɪnsjʊlˌeɪtɪŋ/
Definition
adj. describing a material that stops heat, sound, or electricity from passing through. You use this to talk about things that keep a house warm or protect you from electric shocks.
adj. referring to a substance or material that prevents or reduces the transmission of heat, sound, or electricity. Often used attributively to describe protective layers or building materials.
Examples
“The workers are putting insulating foam in the walls.”
“You should wear insulating gloves when working with live electrical wires to prevent a dangerous shock.”
“Modern construction relies heavily on high-performance insulating materials to maintain internal temperatures and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the building.”
Examples
simple
“The workers are putting insulating foam in the walls.”
contextual
“You should wear insulating gloves when working with live electrical wires to prevent a dangerous shock.”
complex
“Modern construction relies heavily on high-performance insulating materials to maintain internal temperatures and reduce the overall carbon footprint of the building.”
Usage
Typically placed before the noun it modifies.
Real-World Examples
“Myelin acts much like the insulating material around an electrical cable.” “The same research found , external that women also have a higher core body temperature and body fat percentage than men, which acts like an extra insulating layer.” - 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 C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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