Jar
/dʒɑːr/
Definitions
4 meaningsA rigid container, typically cylindrical with a wide mouth, made of glass or earthenware.
/dʒɑːr/
A container, typically made of glass, used for storing food or other items.
The cookies were stored in a decorative cookie jar.
💡 Simply: Imagine a glass container like the ones you see with pickles or jelly. It's called a jar! You use it to keep food safe.
👶 For kids: A jar is a container like a cup but with a wide opening. You might use it to keep cookies or crayons.
More Examples
He bought a jar of peanut butter at the store.
The laboratory samples were kept in sterile glass jars.
How It's Used
"She stored her homemade jam in a glass jar."
"The pickle company ships its products in large jars."
To send a painful or damaging shock to; to have a grating or harsh effect.
/dʒɑːr/
To make a harsh scraping or grating sound.
The loud music jarred on her nerves.
💡 Simply: When something jars, it's like a sudden, unpleasant noise or feeling that throws you off. It's not smooth or comfortable.
👶 For kids: If something 'jars' you, it's like a sudden bump or scratch that is not nice.
More Examples
The news of the accident jarred him deeply.
The loud bang jarred the dishes in the cabinet.
How It's Used
"The sudden screech of brakes jarred him awake."
"Her insensitive comment jarred the otherwise pleasant conversation."
To be incongruous or discordant.
/dʒɑːr/
To have a clashing or disagreeable effect.
The modern art jarred with the traditional architecture.
💡 Simply: When things 'jar' together, they don't seem to match or fit. Think of clashing colors or a rude person in a polite group.
👶 For kids: When things 'jar,' they don't look right together, like wearing socks with sandals!
More Examples
His harsh voice jarred in the quiet room.
The two flavors jarred on his palate.
How It's Used
"His rudeness jarred with her sense of etiquette."
"The bright colors jarred with the muted decor."
A sudden and unpleasant or disruptive experience.
/dʒɑːr/
A sudden physical or emotional shock.
The news of the financial losses caused a jar.
💡 Simply: A 'jar' is like a sudden, unexpected upset that throws you off. It's like being surprised in a bad way.
👶 For kids: A 'jar' is a surprise that makes you feel a bit shocked or upset, like when you drop your ice cream!
More Examples
The abrupt cancellation was a jar to the participants.
She felt a sense of jar when he raised his voice.
How It's Used
"The sudden announcement of layoffs caused a jar among the employees."
"The news of the accident left her with a jar she couldn't shake."
Synonyms
Can
Container
Disturb
Grate
Clash
Conflict
Contradict
Disagree
Disruption
Disturbance
Idioms & expressions
jar someone's memory
To cause someone to suddenly remember something.
"That old song really jarred my memory, bringing back so many good times."
From Old French *jarre*, from Arabic *jarra* ('earthen vessel').
The word 'jar' as a container has been used since the 14th century, while the verb to 'jar' meaning to shake or vibrate appeared later, in the 17th century.
Memory tip
Think of the glass container your grandmother used to preserve her pickles.