stint - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
stint Word Meanings
- to limit or restrict, especially in quantity
- to be frugal or stingy
- a fixed or limited period of time spent doing something
stint Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
stint Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/stɪnt/
US
/stɪnt/
stint Word Etymology
stint = stin + -t (to cause to stand). Origin: Middle English 'stinten' from Old French 'estint', from Latin 'stinctus'. Memory: Imagine a person standing still, waiting for permission to proceed, representing a limit or standstill in action.
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
As a verb, stint means to limit or restrict something, especially in quantity or duration. It can also mean to be frugal or stingy, though this sense is less common in neutral modern usage. A third sense treats stint as a fixed or limited period spent doing a task. In use you might hear phrases like 'the budget will stint our travel plans' or 'to stint on water during a drought'. The noun form is 'a stint', referring to a definite stretch of time spent on a job or activity. Etymology traces to Middle English stinten from Old French estint, from Latin stinctus, conveying a sense of standing still or restraining. Memory cue: imagine a person standing still, waiting for permission to proceed.
Usage Reminders
- limit the scope, use with 'on' for restraint; remember the noun form; avoid confusing with 'stop' or 'stopping'; often formal; check prepositions with phrases like 'stint on' or 'stint in'; pair with contexts of budget or time; practice with multiple tenses
Common Misconceptions
- Stint means to stop completely
- Stint only relates to money
- Stint is always a noun
- Stint is informal and casual to use
- Stint cannot describe time duration
Thinking Differences
English often treats stint as a precise, bounded restriction; learners may default to 'limit' or 'save' and miss the nuance of time or quantity limits as a planned constraint.
Learning Tips
- Remember the three main senses (limit, be frugal, time period).
- Pair with budget or time contexts to reinforce meaning.
- Differentiate verb vs noun forms by role in sentence.
- Watch common collocations: stint on, stint in.
- Note formality: often more formal than everyday talk.
- Practice with past, present, and future tenses.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'stint'?
A.To limit
B.To long
C.To argue
D.To explore
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'stint' used correctly?
A.He couldn't control his stint for adventure.
B.She enjoyed her stint of reading on the beach.
C.She worked for a long stint at the company.
D.His stint improved his skills.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym of 'stint'?
A.Restraint
B.Boundary
C.Limitation
D.Abundance
Step 4: Opposite Words
In which real-life context would 'stint' be used?
A.Healthy eating habits
B.Time management in a project
C.Creative writing techniques
D.Physical fitness routines
Step 5: Mastery
Can you create a sentence using 'stint'?
A.I have no idea how to use 'stint'.
B.No, I don't understand how to use it.
C.Stint is a difficult word to remember.
D.Sure, I will stint my vacation days for a big trip.
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