cards - Master This Word
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cards Word Meanings
- A piece of stiff paper or thin pasteboard.
- A device for organizing information (like a business card).
- To arrange or categorize.
cards Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
cards Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kɑ:d/
US
/kɑrd/
cards Word Etymology
The term 'card' comes from the Latin 'charta' meaning paper, through Old French 'carte'. Visualize a playing card being shuffled, as it represents the organization and fun of games, stemming from its root use for communication.
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 lift a card from the desk, its edge cool under my fingertips. I move it a little, tilt it, and push it toward my pocket to test the fit. I adjust my grip, hold it steady, and decide where it will sit for later. As it settles in place, the card seems to whisper about organization, a simple cue to keep names, dates, and tasks in order.
Real Context
In everyday English, card has several related meanings. First, a card is a piece of stiff paper or thin pasteboard used for messages, invitations, greeting cards, or identification. Second, card also refers to a device or card-shaped object that stores or organizes information, such as a business card, a credit card, or an index card. Finally, card can be a verb meaning to arrange, categorize, or label items on cards or in a card catalog. Learners often confuse card with cardboard, think of cards only as playing pieces, or mispronounce related terms like charge card or ID card. Understanding these distinctions helps with accurate collocations and prepositions.
Usage Reminders
- - Card has multiple senses (physical card, information card, verb).
- - Remember common card phrases (ID card, credit card, greeting card).
- - Distinguish card from cardboard by context.
- - Learn verb sense: to arrange or categorize.
- - Check prepositions in collocations (on a card is uncommon; in the card catalog is standard).
- - Practice pronunciation of 'card' in different sentences.
Common Misconceptions
- Card always means a playing card.
- Card cannot be a verb.
- Card and cardboard are the same thing.
- All cards are physical objects.
- Card only relates to money (credit cards).
Thinking Differences
Card in English has several senses: a physical card, a card holding information, and a verb meaning to arrange. Learners often misplace the noun-verb distinction and confuse with cardboard. Focus on common phrases like ID card, credit card, and card catalog to build correct intuition.
Learning Tips
- Group the senses in your notes (physical card, information card, verb).
- Create flashcards for common collocations (ID card, credit card, greeting card).
- Differentiate card from cardboard by focusing on context.
- Remember the verb meaning by practicing 'to card' in filing contexts.
- Practice prepositions with card phrases (on a card vs in a card catalog).
- Record native pronunciation in your own sentences to reinforce usage.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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