held - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
held Word Meanings
- a person or thing that holds something
- a container for keeping items
- a supporter of an idea or claim
held Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
held Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/həʊld/
US
/hoʊld/
held Word Etymology
hold = grip + -er (one who does) → Old English 'holdan' → Middle English 'holder'. Imagine a person gripping a flag tight, proudly displaying their possession.
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 grip the railing and hold on tight as the bus swerves. I slide a box onto the shelf, and its hold keeps the contents snug. In the meeting I hold to my point, keeping my voice steady as others push.
Real Context
Hold as a noun has three main senses: a person or thing that holds something, a container for keeping items, and a supporter of an idea or claim. In addition to the literal grip, hold also appears in phrases like take hold, hold on, or hold your ground, where the meaning shifts from physical grasp to persistence or influence. The etymology traces from Old English holdan, through Middle English holder, reflecting a repeated theme of grasping or possessing. Learners benefit from recognizing subtle distinctions between a physical hold, a figurative hold on an opinion, and a container sense, which guides natural collocations and translations.
Usage Reminders
- Remember common collocations: hold still, hold on, hold your breath, hold a meeting, hold a grudge.
Common Misconceptions
- Hold is only about gripping physically.
- A 'hold' is always a container.
- You must 'hold' an object to own it.
- The noun 'hold' can replace 'grip' in all contexts.
- Hold cannot refer to supporting an idea.
Thinking Differences
English often treats hold as both physical and abstract, so learners must map literal uses to figurative ones and learn key collocations like hold on and hold your ground.
Learning Tips
- 1) Practice physical and abstract uses in parallel.
- 2) Learn key phrases: hold on, hold your ground, hold a meeting.
- 3) Distinguish containers from possessive sense.
- 4) Use verb+noun collocations with care.
- 5) Check translations with context to avoid misreadings.
- 6) Create own example sentences weekly.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'held' mean?
A.To possess
B.To release
C.To forget
D.To ignore
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'held' correctly?
A.They held an opinion about the situation.
B.He held the competition late next week.
C.She held the door open for her friend.
D.I held at the park yesterday.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'held'?
A.Flew
B.Stood
C.Kept
D.Said
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'held'?
A.Searched
B.Captured
C.Released
D.Found
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where someone might have held a gathering?
A.The police discovered a missing person.
B.The children played outside after school.
C.The committee organized an event last week.
D.The book was returned to the library yesterday.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App