flank - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
flank Word Meanings
- the side of a person's or animal's body
- to attack or stand on the side of something
- the side of an army or military formation
flank Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
flank Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/flæŋk/
US
/flæŋk/
flank Word Etymology
flank = flank (root). Origin: Old French 'flan' → Middle English. Memory image: imagine a soldier standing at the side of a formation, ready to protect or attack from the side.
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
Flank is a versatile word that can name a body part, a military position, or the side of an object. As a noun, it refers to the side of a person or animal from the ribs outward, or to the outer edge of a formation or structure (such as the army's flank or the hill's flank). As a verb, it means to stand at or move along the side of something, or to attack from the side or come around the flank of an opponent. In everyday language you might describe the left flank of a parade, or how a building's flank is sheltered by a garden. Flank appears in phrases like flank protection and flank attack.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: 1) Flank can be a noun or a verb. 2) Use collocations like left flank, right flank, flank attack. 3) Distinguish body-side meaning from military-side meaning. 4) Prepositions matter: on the flank, flank of, flank the army. 5) Not every edge is a flank—think side position around a target. 6) Practice with both single and compound nouns/verbs.
Common Misconceptions
- Flank always means the edge; it does not refer to the side of a group or to attacking from the side.
- Flank cannot be a verb in everyday language; it is only a military term.
- Confusing flank with 'edge' or 'border' in body parts.
- Using left/right mistakenly as a direction rather than a position of attack or support.
- Thinking 'flank' is used only for animals or military contexts, not buildings or crowds.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: flank links body-side, edge, and side-attack ideas; learners often mix 'flank' with 'edge' or think it only means the outer edge. Emphasize noun/verb forms and prepositions (on the flank, flank the army).
Learning Tips
- Visualize flank as the side around a target, not just the outer edge
- Learn both noun and verb forms with examples
- Use left/right with flank: left flank, right flank
- Practice phrases: flank attack, flank protection, flank maneuver
- Pair with prepositions: on the flank, from the flank, flank the army
- Compare to synonyms: side, edge, perimeter to refine meaning
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'flank'?
A.A type of fish found in the ocean
B.A colorful bird with a long tail
C.A side of an animal or a person between the ribs and the hip
D.A type of flower that blooms in spring
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'flank' used correctly?
A.She watered the flank of the garden
B.The cat chased the flank around the room
C.I saw a beautiful flank in the park
D.The soldiers were ordered to protect the enemy's flank
Step 3: Similar Words
Choose the synonym for 'flank':
A.Front
B.Back
C.Side
D.Center
Step 4: Opposite Words
Choose the opposite for 'flank':
A.Middle
B.End
C.Interior
D.Outside
Step 5: Mastery
In a military context, how is the term 'flank' used?
A.To refer to the tallest soldier in the unit
B.To describe the back of a formation
C.To signify the commander's location
D.To indicate the sides of a formation
Related Listening
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