Pour
/pɔːr/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo cause a liquid or other substance to flow from a container.
/pɔːr/
To cause (a liquid) to flow from a container.
He carefully poured the tea into the delicate china cup.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a bottle of juice. Pouring means you're tipping it over so the juice comes out! Like when you make orange juice in the morning.
👶 For kids: To make something flow out of a container.
More Examples
She poured the honey over her pancakes.
The waiter poured the wine into the glasses for the guests.
How It's Used
"She poured herself a glass of water."
"Pour the batter into the baking pan."
To flow or move rapidly or in a continuous stream, often used metaphorically.
/pɔːr/
To flow or move rapidly or in a continuous stream.
Tears poured down her face.
💡 Simply: When a whole bunch of people move into one place quickly, it's like they are 'pouring' in, just like liquid from a bottle!
👶 For kids: When a lot of things flow or move quickly, like water from a hose.
More Examples
The fans poured onto the field after the game.
The oil poured out of the damaged pipe.
How It's Used
"The rain poured down all day."
"The crowd poured into the stadium."
To give or contribute freely or in great quantity, often used metaphorically.
/pɔːr/
To give or contribute freely.
The donors poured money into the charity.
💡 Simply: Imagine you give all your love or money to help someone. You're pouring it out to them!
👶 For kids: To give a lot of something to someone or something.
More Examples
She poured all her energy into her work.
He poured his love into the care of his child.
How It's Used
"The community poured its resources into the project."
"He poured out his heart to her."
Synonyms
Discharge
Empty
Flow
Contribute
Devote
Donate
Give
Offer
Idioms & expressions
pour cold water on something
To discourage someone or something; to criticize an idea or plan.
"The manager poured cold water on the proposal to increase the budget."
pour one's heart out
To express one's feelings, emotions, or troubles openly and honestly.
"She poured her heart out to her best friend about her problems."
From Old French *purer* ('to pour, spill'), ultimately from Latin *purare* ('to purify, cleanse'), reflecting the original idea of emptying or cleansing a container.
The word 'pour' has been used since Middle English, initially referring primarily to the act of flowing or emptying a liquid.
Memory tip
Think of pouring a drink from a pitcher - it's a continuous flow.