course - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
course Word Meanings
- a series of lectures or classes on a particular subject
- a direction or path taken
- the progression of something over time
course Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
course Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kɔːs/
US
/kɔrs/
course Word Etymology
From Latin 'cursus' (run, course), evolved through Old French 'cours' to Middle English 'course'. Imagine a river's course flowing steadily, reflecting how knowledge courses through our minds.
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 lean forward, place my hand on the desk, and set a course with my pencil. I push the line across the page and watch the letters move as an idea starts to form. The thoughts shift and I adjust my grip when they refuse to sit still, feeling effort rise and fall. By the end, the path of my notes feels like a small journey I can take again tomorrow.
Real Context
Course is a versatile word in English. As a noun, it most often means a planned sequence of classes on a subject, such as a course in biology or a beginner's course in cooking. It can also refer to a direction or path, for example the river's course or the path of a project. As a verb, to course means to move rapidly through something or to run; and in phrases like course of events it denotes progression over time. The word traces back to Latin cursus, passing through Old French cours, carrying the sense of flow and movement. Learners often confuse course with path, practice, or route.
Usage Reminders
- Use course to talk about classes and a planned path. Avoid confusing course with route in travel sense. When speaking of time, use the course of events. For river terms, say the river's course. Remember related phrases: take a course, course of study, course of events.
Common Misconceptions
- Course always means a physical path or route
- Course and route are interchangeable in all contexts
- Course cannot refer to a river's direction
- Course only means classes, not progression over time
- Course and practice are the same
Thinking Differences
English speakers learn to separate course as a structured class and as a progression or direction; learners often overemphasize the class sense when a sentence refers to a river or events.
Learning Tips
- Learn the main senses: class, direction, progression.
- Pair with the right collocations: take a course, course of study, course of events.
- Practice choosing the sense from context, not from a single word.
- Remember river and project uses with appropriate verbs.
- Watch false friends with similar words like route and path.
- Study common phrases in context rather than in isolation.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'course'?
A.A series of lectures or lessons in a particular subject
B.Firmly held opinions or beliefs
C.To travel continuously in a particular direction
D.To clean thoroughly
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'course' used correctly?
A.She decided to take a cooking class to improve her golf swing.
B.The river bank was eroded due to a course of action taken by the residents.
C.They are attending a course on financial management next week.
D.He coursed through the forest, trying to track down the missing child.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a similar word to 'course'?
A.Awake
B.Curriculum
C.Hinder
D.Messy
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'course'?
A.Pause
B.Travel
C.Speed
D.Random
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you enroll in a course?
A.Watching a movie
B.Buying groceries
C.Playing video games
D.Learning how to swim
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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