factory - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
factory Word Meanings
- a place where goods are manufactured.
- a building used for industrial production.
- a site for mass production of products.
factory Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
factory Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈfæktəri/
US
/ˈfæktɚi/
factory Word Etymology
factory = fact + -ory (place of making). Origin: Latin (facere) → Old French (factorie) → English. Imagine a large building filled with machines, people working to produce items nonstop.
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 the heavy gate and step into the factory, the air tasting of metal and heat. I move along the narrow aisles, a steady rhythm of machines turning and parts clicking guiding my pace. I hold the railing, shift my weight when a belt hums louder, and keep my eyes on the work. The scene starts to feel like a story in which things are made here, one careful turn at a time.
Real Context
A factory is a large building where goods are manufactured, often with machines, assembly lines, and specialized workers. It embodies mass production and systematic routines, with clear schedules and quality checks that keep output consistent. In everyday English, factory is more than a workshop; it suggests scale, industrial activity, and long-running processes rather than a single handmade item. Learners will see collocations like 'large factory,' 'modern factory,' 'factory worker,' and verbs such as 'manufacture,' 'produce,' or 'operate a factory.' Some synonyms exist, like plant or mill, but factory carries a modern, business-oriented connotation tied to industrial production and supply chains.
Usage Reminders
- Use factory for a large production site, not a small workshop.
- Pair with adjectives like large, modern, or old.
- Common verbs: manufacture, produce, operate a factory.
- Note the difference from plant or workshop in nuance.
- In news or business contexts, factory often signals scale and supply chains.
Common Misconceptions
- Factory = workshop or craft studio
- Factory always means a very old or dirty place
- Factory equals plant; no nuance differences
- Factory is only about making physical goods, not services
- Factory is the same as a factory outlet
Thinking Differences
English often highlights the scale and organization implied by factory, so learners must watch for contrasts with 'plant' (sometimes similar but broader) and 'workshop' (much smaller, artisanal).
Learning Tips
- Visit a factory tour or video to see assembly lines and workers.
- Note collocations: factory worker, factory floor, factory output.
- Compare with plant and workshop in real contexts.
- Learn verbs: manufacture, produce, operate a factory.
- Watch news articles about manufacturing to hear factory in context.
- Use flashcards for common phrases around factories.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'factory'?
A.A place to buy clothes
B.A type of flower
C.A building where goods are manufactured
D.A vehicle for transportation
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'factory' correctly?
A.She bought a dress from the factory store.
B.The factory of the car arrived late.
C.The factory worker fixed the leaky pipe.
D.We visited the flower factory last weekend.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'factory'?
A.Hospital
B.Mill
C.Office
D.Park
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'factory'?
A.Warehouse
B.Laboratory
C.Farm
D.Store
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'factory' is commonly used?
A.Many workers commute to the factory every day.
B.The students were studying in the library.
C.He visited a historical site during vacation.
D.She was waiting for her bus at the park.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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