court - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
court Word Meanings
- a place where legal cases are heard
- to seek someone's affections
- an area enclosed for sports like tennis
court Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
court Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kɔːt/
US
/kɔrt/
court Word Etymology
court = 'courtyard', derived from Latin 'cohors' meaning 'enclosure'. Old French 'cort' → English. Imagine a lively courtyard with people gathering, suggesting law, sport, and romance.
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 push open a door and step into a quiet room. I move from the crowded hall toward the courtroom bench, feeling the weight of a case settle in. I adjust my stance, hold my breath a moment, and let the moment turn on a careful choice. Later, on a sunlit tennis court, I place my feet, keep my eyes on the ball, and test a small smile to court someone’s attention.
Real Context
Court is a multi purpose word. It can be a place where legal cases are heard (the court), a place enclosed for sports such as tennis (a tennis court), or a verb meaning to seek someone's affections (to court). The word traces to courtyard and Latin cohors meaning enclosure, but in modern use the senses are distinct enough that learners must pay attention to context. In everyday speech you might hear about a court case, or you might hear someone say they want to court a person. Note that court and courtyard differ: courtyard is an open space next to a building, not a legal or sports space. When you hear 'court', think law, sport, or romance depending on nearby words.
Usage Reminders
- Remember 'court' can be a place, a verb, or a playing surface.
- Don't confuse 'court' with 'courtyard' which is a different space.
- 'To court' is a verb meaning to woo or seek someone's affection.
- In sports, 'court' refers to the playing surface (tennis, basketball).
- In legal contexts, 'court' often appears with 'of' (court of law) and with verbs like 'go to court'.
Common Misconceptions
- Court always refers to a courtroom.
- Court and courtyard are the same thing.
- To court only refers to romantic pursuit.
- Sports contexts never use the word court.
- Courtroom and court are interchangeable in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
A compact meta note for learners: English freely shifts across law, sport, and romance with one word, so rely on surrounding words to infer meaning. Learners often default to the court=law sense, or misread 'court' as merely a place for sport. Practice distinguishing by collocations like 'court of law' vs 'tennis court' and by spotting verbs like 'to court'.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three core senses first: legal, sport, and romance.
- Practice common collocations: 'court of law', 'tennis court', 'to court someone'.
- Differentiate 'courtyard' from 'court'.
- Listen for context clues to identify meaning quickly.
- Compare with 'courtroom' vs 'courthouse' vs 'courtyard'.
- Create mini flashcards for each sense with example sentences.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'court' mean?
A.To admire from a distance
B.A building where trials take place
C.To make decisions without emotion
D.An enclosed area for playing sports
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'court' used in a sentence?
A.She avoided going to court
B.He doesn't court anyone's favor
C.They courted each other for months
D.The basketball court was newly renovated
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'court'?
A.Jury
B.Trial
C.Plead
D.Defendant
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'court'?
A.Penalty
B.Innocent
C.Jail
D.Defendant
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you hear the word 'court'?
A.During a family dinner
B.At a wedding ceremony
C.In a courtroom during a trial
D.In a football game
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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