cruise - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
cruise Word Meanings
- to travel smoothly on water
- a leisurely journey on a ship
- to search or patrol an area
cruise Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
cruise Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kruːz/
US
/kruːz/
cruise Word Etymology
From 'cruise', possibly from Middle Dutch 'cruysen' meaning 'to cross', implying smooth movement across waters. Imagining a large ship gliding effortlessly over waves evokes a sense of tranquility and adventure.
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 step onto the deck, grip the wheel, and push the throttle until the boat settles into a smooth glide. I keep my eyes on the horizon, feel the water cool and steady, and adjust the helm to hold a gentle pace. The wake draws a soft line behind us, and I ride the motion with a calm breath, letting this calm cruise unfold. When a gust nudges us, I shift a touch, move with the boat, and decide to keep going.
Real Context
cruise can function as both a verb and a noun, with distinct but related senses. As a verb, it means to travel smoothly on water, such as a boat gliding along the coast or a ferry cruising through calm seas. It can also describe moving around an area in a steady, unhurried way, often to search or patrol. As a noun, cruise refers to a leisure voyage on a ship, typically with planned itineraries, meals, and onboard entertainment. In everyday speech, people also use phrases like cruise along or cruise by to describe moving past something with ease. The word’s etymology evokes calm crossing and confident, adventurous motion across water.
Usage Reminders
- • Remember the two parts of speech: verb and noun.
- • Use common collocations: cruise along, cruise past, cruise through.
- • Distinguish from cruise control in cars.
- • For the leisure sense, you can say 'a cruise' or 'on a cruise.'
- • Passive forms: was cruising, been cruising.
- • Practice with travel contexts and patrolling contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- Cruise only means a vacation on a ship.
- It always refers to speed or a car feature like cruise control.
- Cruise cannot be used to describe patrolling or searching.
- All cruises are expensive or glamorous.
- Cruise is never used with land travel scenarios.
Thinking Differences
In English, cruise covers both a smooth travel motion and a leisure voyage; learners often misread it as a strictly holiday term or confuse with car features like cruise control, so focus on verb vs noun uses and common collocations.
Learning Tips
- Learn both parts of speech first.
- Memorize key collocations: cruise along, cruise by, cruise through.
- Differentiate cruise from cruise control in cars.
- Use the noun form for vacations: a cruise, on a cruise.
- Practice past tense: cruised; present continuous: is cruising.
- Read travel and patrol contexts to hear natural usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'cruise'?
A.Eat
B.Sleep
C.Travel
D.Study
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'cruise' used correctly?
A.I cruise to work every day.
B.She decided to cruise through her homework.
C.He cruise a delicious meal.
D.They cruise with excitement.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'cruise'?
A.Fly
B.Drive
C.Stroll
D.Exercise
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'cruise'?
A.Speed
B.Accelerate
C.Rest
D.Stop
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'cruise' is commonly used?
A.Studying for an exam
B.Running a marathon
C.Driving along the coast in a convertible car
D.Sleeping in on a weekend
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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