pit
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.a large, deep hole in the ground.
n.a natural or artificial cavity in the ground, often of considerable depth.
Simple“The workers dug a deep pit to prepare for the new building's foundation.”
In context“The archaeological team carefully excavated the pit, hoping to find evidence of the settlement's original boundary walls.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the hard seed or stone in the middle of some fruits like peaches or cherries.
n.the hard, stony endocarp of a drupe, containing the seed.
Simple“Be careful not to bite into the peach pit or you might hurt your teeth.”
In context“The recipe requires you to remove the pits from the cherries before simmering them with sugar and lemon juice.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the area at a racetrack where cars stop for fuel or new tires.
n.a designated area at a motor racing circuit used for refueling, mechanical repairs, and tire changes during a race.
Simple“The driver pulled into the pit for a lightning-fast tire change.”
In context“A miscommunication during the final pit stop cost the team several seconds, allowing their rivals to take the lead.”
Synonymspit stop - 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the area in a theater where the musicians sit, usually below the stage.
n.the space in a theater, typically located at a lower level in front of the stage, reserved for the orchestra.
Simple“From my seat in the front row, I could see the conductor in the pit.”
In context“The acoustics of the orchestra pit were redesigned to ensure the brass section did not overpower the singers on stage.”
Synonymsorchestra pit - 05 C1 Advanced
n.a very dirty, messy, or unpleasant place.
n.an undesirable, filthy, or squalid location or room.
Simple“I need to clean my apartment; it has become a total pit lately.”
In context“The critics described the budget hotel as a complete pit, citing the stained carpets and broken furniture in every room.”
- 06 C1 Advanced
n.a short way of saying armpit.
n.the hollow under the arm at the shoulder.
Simple“He was sweating through the pits of his shirt after the long run.”
In context“The athlete applied extra deodorant to his pits before the televised interview to avoid any visible sweat patches.”
Synonymsarmpitaxilla - 07 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make two people or groups compete or fight against each other.
v.to set someone or something in direct opposition or conflict with another.
Simple“The tournament will pit the defending champion against a talented newcomer.”
In context“The civil war pitted brother against brother, tearing the fabric of the small community apart for generations.”
UsageUsually used in the pattern 'pit someone against someone'.
- 08 C1 Advanced
v.to take the stones or seeds out of a fruit.
v.to remove the stone or endocarp from a fruit.
Simple“She spent the afternoon pitting cherries for the homemade jam.”
In context“The industrial machine can pit thousands of olives per hour with minimal damage to the fruit's flesh.”
Synonymsstonedeseed
“Even my grandad, he used to be a pit miner and he’s always voted for Labour, but this time … no.”
“The results suggest that black holes may not behave like bottomless pits.”