ferry - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
ferry Word Meanings
- a boat or ship for transporting people and goods across water
- to transport by ferry
- to move from one place to another, especially across water
ferry Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
ferry Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈfɛri/
US
/ˈfɛri/
ferry Word Etymology
ferry = fer- (to carry) + -ry (place of); derived from Old English 'ferian' meaning 'to transport'. Imagine a sturdy boat carrying people across a wide river, making the journey safer and easier.
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 InputReal Context
Ferry has two main uses in English. As a noun, it refers to a boat or ship that transports people and goods across water, usually on a regular schedule between two ports. As a verb, to ferry means to carry people or goods by boat or to transport someone from one place to another, especially across water. The term’s etymology traces to fer- (to carry) + -ry (place of) from Old English ferian, meaning to transport; imagine a sturdy boat carrying travelers safely across a wide river. In practice you’ll hear ferry terminal, ferry crossing, and ferry schedule. Learners often mix it up with fairy, or mispronounce the -er ending, so focus on context and collocations.
Usage Reminders
- Noun or verb usage clearly distinguished. Pronounce FER-ree with two syllables. Ferry crosses water, not land routes. Use natural collocations like ferry terminal, ferry crossing, ferry schedule. Don’t confuse with fairy or other similar-sounding words.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking ferry = any boat; a ferry is specifically a regular passenger- and/or cargo-transit vessel.
- Confusing to ferry with fairy due to pronunciation.
- Assuming all boats can ferry people—many boats are not ferries.
- Using ferry as a transitive verb on land (wrong in most contexts).
- Mispronouncing the -ry ending as in 'ferr-ee' without the correct schwa.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: ferry is both a vessel and the act of transporting by boat; pay attention to context and common collocations.
Learning Tips
- Practice both noun and verb forms in sentences.
- Listen for common collocations like ferry terminal and ferry schedule.
- Compare with other water-transport verbs (ship, sail).
- Watch pronunciation; two syllables: FER-ry.
- Do quick drills with confusable words like fairy to solidify contrast.
- Read signs at real ferry terminals to notice natural phrasing.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'ferry'?
A.A mode of transportation over a body of water
B.A type of bird
C.A type of flower
D.A musical instrument
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'ferry' correctly?
A.She planted a ferry in her garden.
B.I saw a blue ferry in the sky.
C.He played the ferry beautifully.
D.The ferry will take us across the river.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'ferry'?
A.Car
B.Bicycle
C.Train
D.Boat
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'ferry'?
A.Fly
B.Swim
C.Drive
D.Walk
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you typically see a 'ferry' being used?
A.In a bakery
B.On a farm
C.Crossing a body of water
D.At an airport
Related Listening
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