sewage - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
sewage Word Meanings
- wastewater and excrement
- the water that is contaminated by biological, chemical, or physical substances
- liquid waste from homes and industries
sewage Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
sewage Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsjuːɪdʒ/
US
/ˈsuːɪdʒ/
sewage Word Etymology
sewage = sew + age; The term comes from Old French 'sewage' meaning 'to draw off water'; Imagine a pipe leading away wastewater from a house, emphasizing removal and separation.
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
Sewage is the water that carries waste from homes, businesses, and sometimes industry, including human excrement, used soap, and food scraps. It is not rainwater or simply dirty water; it is water that has been contaminated by biological, chemical, or physical substances and is usually moved through a network of pipes to a wastewater treatment facility. In everyday English, you might hear about sewage systems, sewer lines, and sewage treatment plants. People discuss the design, maintenance, and occasional overflows of sewers, especially after heavy rain. Because sewage can pose health risks, professionals monitor odors, cleanliness, and the integrity of the sewer network.
Usage Reminders
- • Sewage is usually uncountable; do not use plural.
- • Use in contexts like sewage system, sewage treatment plant.
- • Pair with phrases like 'sewage system fails' or 'sewage spill'.
- • Distinguish sewage from rainwater or greywater.
- • Pronounce as SOO-ij.
- • Use 'wastewater' for water that has become contaminated but not necessarily via a sewer.
Common Misconceptions
- Sewage is the same as rainwater or dirty river water.
- Sewage only comes from toilets.
- All wastewater is sewage.
- Sewage can be treated without a plant or facility.
- Sewage is a pleasant word for dirty water; avoid in formal writing.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Memorize sewage as an uncountable noun.
- Learn common collocations: sewage system, sewage treatment plant.
- Differentiate sewage from wastewater and rainwater.
- Watch pronunciation: /ˈsuːɪdʒ/.
- Study passive constructions: 'sewage is treated by…'.
- Practice with real-world contexts (news, reports).
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'sewage'?
A.A liquid substance
B.A sweet dessert
C.A type of flower
D.A country in Europe
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'sewage' correctly?
A.The sewage treatment plant helps clean up the water supply.
B.I went swimming in the sewage.
C.The sewage was blooming with colorful flowers.
D.Let's use sewage to bake a cake.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'sewage'?
A.Trash
B.Music
C.Sunshine
D.Computer
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'sewage'?
A.Clean water
B.Purify
C.Toxic waste
D.Drinkable
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario involving 'sewage'?
A.Going for a walk in the park
B.Baking cookies at home
C.Visiting a sewage treatment plant
D.Playing video games with friends
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