groceries - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
groceries Word Meanings
- a store selling food and other household items
- the food items bought from such a store
- a place where groceries are sold
groceries Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
groceries Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈɡrəʊsəri/
US
/ˈɡroʊsəri/
groceries Word Etymology
grocery = grocer + -y; historical: Middle English (grocer) → Old French (grocer) → Latin (grossarius) → Greek; memory: picture a bustling market where grocers sell fresh produce, connecting to a vibrant, lively community gathering.
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
grocery is a noun for a store that sells food and household items, or the items bought there. In everyday American English, people say go to the grocery or go grocery shopping, though you will also hear grocery store or simply store. The word emphasizes the kind of goods rather than the act of shopping. When talking about what you bought, you say I bought groceries, with groceries as a plural mass noun. A related term is grocer, the person who runs the shop. Common contrasts include supermarket, which is larger, and convenience store, which is smaller or more limited.
Usage Reminders
- Use grocery store or grocery shop; say go grocery shopping; groceries refers to the items you buy; avoid saying 'a grocery' alone; 'groceries' is usually plural; 'grocer' is the shop owner.
Common Misconceptions
- grocery is sometimes thought to be a single item rather than a store or items
- confusing grocer (the person) with grocery (the goods)
- using grocery as a countable singular noun (incorrect)
- thinking grocery equals all groceries in general rather than the items bought
- mixing up grocery with market types like supermarket
Thinking Differences
In English, groceries often refer both to store (grocery store) and to the items bought (groceries); the distinction between grocery as a store vs groceries as goods is a common learner focus; Brits may additionally say grocer's shop.
Learning Tips
- memorize that groceries refers to the items; grocery store is the place
- practice I bought groceries vs I bought grocery items
- use go grocery shopping to describe the act
- note grocer means the shopkeeper, not the goods
- differentiate grocery store from supermarket by size
- listen for collocations like 'carry groceries', 'grocery list'
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of the word 'groceries'?
A.A type of clothing
B.A kind of transportation
C.Food and other products sold in a grocery store
D.A type of entertainment
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence correctly uses the word 'groceries'?
A.He enjoys playing groceries in the park.
B.She bought groceries for the dinner party.
C.I like to read groceries before bed.
D.They went to the groceries to watch a movie.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'groceries'?
A.Vehicle
B.Clothing
C.Market
D.Technology
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'groceries'?
A.Energy
B.Satisfaction
C.Non-food items
D.Comfort
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where someone might talk about their grocery needs?
A.He went to the store to pick up some groceries.
B.She played outside all day.
C.They watched a movie in the evening.
D.I went to visit my friend.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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