pen
- 01 A1 Beginner
n.a tool that uses ink to write or draw on paper.
n.an instrument for writing or drawing with ink, typically consisting of a metal nib or ball point fitted into a metal or plastic holder.
Simple“He reached into his pocket to find a pen so he could sign the document.”
In context“The executive signed the multi-million dollar contract with a vintage fountain pen, a gift from his father upon his graduation.”
PitfallI wrote the letter with a pen. I wrote the letter in pen.Use 'in pen' to describe the medium (ink), but 'with a pen' to describe the specific tool used.
Synonymsballpointfountain penAntonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a small area with a fence around it used for keeping animals like sheep or pigs.
n.a small enclosure for livestock or other domestic animals.
Simple“The farmer kept the young lambs in a separate pen near the barn.”
In context“The sheep were gathered into a holding pen while the veterinarian performed the annual health inspections.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a device shaped like a pen used to give yourself medicine, like insulin.
n.a medical device designed to deliver a specific dose of medication via a needle, often used for insulin or epinephrine.
Simple“She always carries an insulin pen in her bag in case her blood sugar gets too high.”
In context“The patient was instructed on how to use the epinephrine pen immediately if they experienced any signs of an allergic reaction.”
Synonymsinjectorautoinjector - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a slang word for a prison.
n.a shortened form of 'penitentiary', used to refer to a state or federal prison.
Simple“He spent five years in the pen before being released for good behavior.”
In context“After a decade in the state pen, the former inmate struggled to adapt to the rapid technological changes of the outside world.”
Synonyms - 05 C2 Proficiency
n.the name for a female swan.
n.the adult female of the swan.
Simple“The pen sat on her nest while the male swan guarded the area.”
In context“Ornithologists observed the pen carefully tending to her cygnets while the cob patrolled the perimeter of the lake.”
Antonyms - 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to write something, especially a letter or a book.
v.to compose and write a text; often used in formal or literary contexts.
Simple“She decided to pen a short note to thank her hosts for the lovely weekend.”
In context“The poet spent his final years in a secluded cottage, where he penned his most celebrated collection of sonnets.”
- 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to put animals into a small fenced area.
v.to confine or shut in an animal or person within an enclosure.
Simple“The cattle were penned up for the night to keep them safe from predators.”
In context“The protesters felt penned in by the heavy police presence at the edge of the square.”
UsageOften used with the particle 'up' as 'pen up'.
Usage pen to paper