tank - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
tank Word Meanings
- A large container for holding liquids.
- A military vehicle that moves on tracks and is armed.
- To store or put something in a tank.
tank Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
tank Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/tæŋk/
US
/tæŋk/
tank Word Etymology
tank = originally meant 'cask', from Latin 'tanca'→Old French 'tanque'→English. Imagine a big barrel full of water, which leads to the modern usage of 'tank' as a container.
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 rim of a big tank and feel its weight in my hands. I tilt it slightly and watch the liquid inside move, my stance shifting to keep balance. I adjust my grip, push gently, and set it back down with a soft thud. The effort stays with me, a sense of control that I can carry into filling, storing, or pouring as needed.
Real Context
Tank has three common senses. As a noun, it usually means a large container for liquids, such as a water tank or a fuel tank. It also refers to a military vehicle that moves on tracks and is armed. As a verb, tank means to store or put something in a tank (for example oil stored in a fuel tank or seawater in a ballast tank). In everyday talk, you’ll hear 'gas tank,' 'tank top' (a sleeveless shirt), or even 'to tank' as slang for failing badly in a game. The challenge for learners is distinguishing container words from the vehicle sense and remembering which sense fits with phrasal nouns like tank of gas.
Usage Reminders
- • Learn the two main noun senses first: container vs vehicle.
- • Pay attention to common collocations like gas tank and fuel tank.
- • Note tank top as a distinct expression meaning sleeveless shirt.
- • Watch for context clues to choose the right meaning.
- • Be careful with verbs: you don’t usually say 'to tank' in reference to storing in everyday speech.
Common Misconceptions
- Tank always means a military vehicle
- The verb form 'to tank' is used for storing items in everyday speech
- Tank top refers to a tank vehicle
- Gas tank and fuel tank are interchangeable with other containers
- A tank is only large, metal container, never a small plastic one
Thinking Differences
Think in terms of concrete objects and real-world uses: containers vs machines. English often allows broad collocations and variable metaphors; learners tend to overextend the vehicle sense to everyday containers or miss that 'tank top' is unrelated to the vehicle.
Learning Tips
- 1) Group senses into two noun groups (container, vehicle)
- 2) Learn common container phrases (tank, tank top, gas/fuel tank)
- 3) Practice distinguishing by context in sentences
- 4) Remember tank top refers to clothing, not a vehicle
- 5) Use pictures or real-world labels to reinforce
- 6) Do quick quizzes to test sense recognition
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'tank'?
A.A musical instrument
B.A type of fish
C.A container for holding liquid or gas
D.A large bird
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'tank' typically used in a sentence?
A.She caught a tank in the river.
B.He played a tank in the orchestra.
C.They flew a tank in the sky.
D.The tank was filled with water for the plants.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'tank'?
A.Container
B.Bird
C.Cup
D.Tree
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'tank'?
A.Empty
B.Small
C.Dry
D.Happy
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you find a tank?
A.Aquarium
B.Zoo
C.Library
D.Park
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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