barring - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
barring Word Meanings
- a long rod or piece of material
- an establishment serving alcoholic drinks
- to obstruct or prevent
barring Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
barring Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/bɑː/
US
/bɑr/
barring Word Etymology
Bar = barrier + establishing a place Origin: Old French 'barre' → Latin 'barra' → Proto-Indo-European 'bher-' meaning 'to carry'. Memory image: Imagine a physical bar preventing entry, like a barrier made of wood. Visualize a bartender behind a bar, serving drinks and enjoying laughter.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the bar and move my hand along its cold length, feeling the metal wake my grip. I push, shift my weight, turn my shoulders, and adjust, changing my stance as the room sways. Later, at the bar, I set my drink down and keep my eyes on the crowd, letting the moment slow. To hold the door against a gust, I pull the bar across and feel the weight, the need to prevent the draft.
Real Context
Bar is a versatile word with several related but distinct meanings. As a noun, it can denote a long rod or piece of material used in construction, a barrier that blocks passage, or a counter/railing at a bar where drinks are served. It also refers to an establishment that serves alcoholic drinks, i. e., a pub or bar. As a verb, to bar means to obstruct or prevent someone from entering, participating, or doing something, such as a door that bars the entrance or a rule that bars activity. The memory image is a barrier that keeps people out, a bartender behind a bar serving drinks, and the idea of preventing or restricting. This helps connect the three core senses.
Usage Reminders
- Use bar for a physical rod or obstacle. Use bar for a pub. Use bar as a verb to ban or block. Be careful with phrasal uses like 'bar from' or 'barred from'. Distinguish bar as a noun vs. a verb by stress and context. Remember related terms: barrier, barrier, bartender. Practice with quick, concrete contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Bar always refers to a pub; it can also mean a barrier.
- Bar as a verb always means to forbid; it can also mean to physically block.
- Bar and barrier are interchangeable in all contexts.
- Bar as a unit of pressure is a core meaning of this word in everyday use.
- Bar is never used to mean a counter or railing.
Thinking Differences
For English learners, bar often highlights distinct senses across everyday contexts: a pub vs. a barrier vs. to block. Learners tend to mix the pub sense with the barrier sense, or misplace the verb form in formal texts.
Learning Tips
- Listen for context clues to identify noun vs. verb.
- Keep pub vs. barrier straight by mental images.
- Practice quick translations with both senses.
- Use collocations like 'bar across the door' or 'bar the entry'.
- Learn related terms: barrier, bartender, barrier.
- Read and listen to dialogues in social settings.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'barring'?
A.Including
B.Except for
C.Beyond
D.Avoiding
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'barring' correctly?
A.She was barring through the crowd.
B.Barring my keys, I could not leave the house.
C.Barring any delays, the flight will arrive on time.
D.Barring the sun, the day was perfect.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'barring'?
A.Allowing
B.Including
C.Except
D.Deferring
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'barring'?
A.Including
B.Disregarding
C.Emphasizing
D.Restricting
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario that involves the idea of excluding something?
A.They celebrated the holiday with decorations.
B.The team included everyone in the decision-making process.
C.Participants must be registered to join the event, limiting access.
D.He planned the meeting without considering the weather.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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