flood - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
flood Word Meanings
- an overflow of water covering land
- a large amount of something
- to inundate with water
flood Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
flood Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/flɒd/
US
/flʌd/
flood Word Etymology
Flood: from 'flood', related to Old English 'flōd' meaning 'flow' (a surge of water). Picture a roaring river overflowing its banks, sweeping everything along in a powerful rush.
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 door open and feel the rain pressing in, water already edging past the threshold. I shift a bucket along the floor and pull a plank over to slow the surge, bracing with both hands. My body tenses as the room changes from calm to crowded with liquid, and I adjust my stance to keep control. The scene reveals flood not as a dictionary fact but as a rush—water or things piling up in a sudden, overwhelming flow.
Real Context
Flood is a versatile word in English with two main senses. Noun: an overflow of water that covers land, usually after heavy rain or rapid snowmelt; Verb: to inundate with water or to overwhelm with a large amount of something. The etymology traces to Old English flōd, meaning 'flow', a surge of water. Picture a roaring river spilling over its banks and sweeping objects along in a powerful rush. In use, you can discuss flood risks and flood warnings, or describe a figurative flood of input—emails, questions, or ideas. Words like floodplain, floodgate, and floodwaters appear in geography and infrastructure contexts.
Usage Reminders
- - As a noun, flood means an overflow of water that covers land.
- - As a verb, flood means to overwhelm or cover something with water.
- - You can say 'a flood of [something]' for a huge amount of things.
- - Use 'flooded' or 'flooding' to describe areas or objects covered by water.
- - Pair flood with with/of to show what is overwhelming or overflowing.
Common Misconceptions
- Floods are only caused by rain in cities; they can happen anywhere, including rivers and coastlines.
- Flood is only a noun; you cannot use it as a verb in everyday English.
- A 'flood of' something always has a negative connotation; it can be neutral or even positive in context.
- 'Flood' and 'inundate' are interchangeable in all contexts; they have subtle differences.
- People confuse flood with floodplain or floodgate; these terms have specific technical meanings.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate literal disaster from abstract overload, so learners must distinguish flood as a physical event vs. a metaphorical flood of items. Prepositions with flood (with/of) are common stumbling blocks.
Learning Tips
- - Learn the two main senses (noun vs verb) and use them in context.
- - Practice 'flooded with' vs 'a flood of' to convey overwhelm vs abundance.
- - Memorize key collocations: floodplain, floodgate, floodwaters.
- - Watch weather reports or disaster news to hear natural usage.
- - Distinguish literal floods from figurative expressions in writing.
- - Use visualization: imagine river overflow vs a flood of emails.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'flood'?
A.Heavy rain
B.Overflow of water
C.Strong winds
D.Snowstorm
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following sentences uses 'flood' correctly?
A.I love to watch the flood in the sky.
B.The flood destroyed several houses in the neighborhood.
C.I went to the store to buy a flood of apples.
D.She walked her dog during the flood.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'flood'?
A.Torrent
B.Drizzle
C.Drought
D.Mist
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an opposite of 'flood'?
A.Storm
B.Calm
C.Drought
D.Breeze
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you most likely encounter a 'flood'?
A.River
B.Desert
C.Swimming pool
D.Library
Related Listening
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