Put
/pʊt/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo place or move something to a particular location, position, or state.
/pʊt/
To move something to a specific place or position.
Please put the groceries in the fridge.
💡 Simply: Think of it like placing something somewhere. Like, you put your shoes on the rack, or you put your phone on the charger. You're moving it and placing it.
👶 For kids: To move something and set it down somewhere.
More Examples
He put his keys in his pocket.
Can you put the baby to bed?
I will put more sugar in my coffee.
How It's Used
"She put the book on the table."
"Investors often put their money in safe investments."
To express or state something in words or writing; to offer or present for consideration.
/pʊt/
To express or state something.
She put her name on the list.
💡 Simply: It's like saying something or expressing an idea. You put forward your thoughts, or put your ideas in a meeting.
👶 For kids: To say or write something.
More Examples
He put his ideas forward during the meeting.
The article put forth a new theory.
How do you put your ideas into a good presentation?
How It's Used
"I put my opinion on the table."
"The author put it eloquently in his book."
To cause someone or something to be in a specific state or situation; to bring about a certain result.
/pʊt/
To cause or bring about something.
The accident put his life at risk.
💡 Simply: It's about making something happen. For example, high prices can put a strain on your budget, or you put the car in park.
👶 For kids: To make something happen.
More Examples
The rain put a damper on our picnic.
His bad decisions put him in jail.
This puts us in a difficult situation.
How It's Used
"The economic downturn put many companies at risk."
"Their actions put the entire project in jeopardy."
A gentle stroke or hit of the golf ball on the green.
/pʊt/
In golf, to hit the ball gently into the hole on the green.
He made a great put.
💡 Simply: It's like gently hitting the ball toward the hole when you're playing golf.
👶 For kids: When you're playing golf, to hit the ball on the green towards the hole.
More Examples
He needs a better put to win the game.
His putting skill is excellent.
Can you improve your putting skills?
How It's Used
"He took a good put."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
put a lid on it
To tell someone to stop talking or making noise.
"The teacher told the students to put a lid on it during the test."
put two and two together
To draw a conclusion based on the information you have.
"I didn't know why they were late, but I could put two and two together and guess they were stuck in traffic."
put your foot in your mouth
To say something tactless or embarrassing.
"I really put my foot in my mouth when I asked her about her ex-boyfriend."
From Old English *putian*, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old Norse *púta* (to poke, push).
The word 'put' has been used in English for centuries, evolving from Old English meanings of 'to set' or 'to place'. Its meaning has broadened over time.
Memory tip
Imagine a hand *putting* an object in its proper place to remember the meaning.
Word Origin
"to place, to set"