cargo - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
cargo Word Meanings
- goods transported by a ship, aircraft, or vehicle
- the load carried by a vehicle
- something that is carried, especially in bulk.
cargo Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
cargo Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈkɑːɡəʊ/
US
/ˈkɑrɡoʊ/
cargo Word Etymology
(stem: carg- + suffix: -o) Originated from Latin 'cargare' meaning 'to load'. Imagining a grand ship being loaded with crates of spices and textiles evokes the concept of cargo.
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 edge of a crate and nudge it with a deliberate shove, feeling the weight move under my hands. The forklift hums, the pallet settles, and I adjust my stance to keep the cargo steady as we slide toward the truck. I push a little more, hold the line, and keep the momentum going until the stack lines up exactly where it should be. This moment isn’t about a dictionary definition of cargo; it’s about the quiet decision to guide what travels next.
Real Context
Cargo is a noun that refers to goods transported by ship, aircraft, or vehicle, as well as the load that a vehicle carries. In English you can talk about the cargo as a collective mass (the cargo was on board) or, less often, as a countable unit in phrases like a cargo of bananas. The word is most common in logistics, shipping, and transport contexts. If you want a ship’s contents in everyday speech, people will also say freight or shipment, but cargo is the standard term for goods being moved. The etymology links to cargare, meaning to load, which evokes a ship being loaded with crates.
Usage Reminders
- Cargo is usually uncountable; you say the cargo, not a cargo.
- Cargo and luggage are not the same in everyday use.
- Differentiate cargo from freight and shipment: freight often refers to the goods in transit or the cost.
- Use cargo with ships, planes, or trucks; common collocations include cargo ship and air cargo.
- Plural forms are rare: cargoes is possible in British English but uncommon in American usage.
- Remember the etymology: cargare means to load; picture a ship being loaded.
Common Misconceptions
- Cargo is always countable; you can say a cargo of goods.
- Cargo and luggage mean exactly the same in everyday speech.
- Cargo can only be used for ships; you can't use it for trucks or cars.
- Cargo and freight are interchangeable in all contexts.
- People often pluralize it as cargos in American English.
Thinking Differences
Cargo is often treated as an uncountable mass in English, which can confuse learners who want to say 'a cargo' of goods.
Learning Tips
- Cargo is usually uncountable; use 'the cargo' rather than 'a cargo'.
- Cargo and luggage are not interchangeable in most contexts.
- Differentiate cargo from freight and shipment.
- Pair cargo with transport modes: air cargo, sea cargo, cargo ship.
- Plural forms (cargoes) exist but are uncommon in American English.
- Visualize a ship being loaded to remember the meaning.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of the word 'cargo'?
A.Goods transported by a ship, aircraft, or vehicle.
B.A type of animal.
C.A flavor of ice cream.
D.A style of painting.
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'cargo' correctly?
A.The cargo was delicious and I ate it all.
B.The ship carried a large amount of cargo across the ocean.
C.The cargo flew over the mountains.
D.She wore a cargo dress to the party.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'cargo'?
A.Load
B.Bird
C.Sky
D.Music
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'cargo'?
A.Full
B.Empty
C.Light
D.Heavy
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of transporting goods?
A.The truck delivered supplies to the store.
B.They opened the boxes to find the new shoes inside.
C.The fisherman caught a large fish in the net.
D.The airplane took off without any weight on board.
Related Listening
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