wounds - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
wounds Word Meanings
- hurt or injured
- emotionally affected by a negative experience
- to cause harm to someone
wounds Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
wounds Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/wuːnd/
US
/wuːnd/
wounds Word Etymology
wound = 'wound' (to injure) + -ed (past participle); Origin: Old English 'wundian' (to injure), related to Latin 'vulnerare' (to wound); Imagine a soldier with a bandage, reminding us of their injuries and the pain felt.
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 move my hand to rub a rough edge, feeling a sting as skin meets air. A small wound begins to show, warm and red, and I watch it shift with every breath. I steady my control, press a clean cloth, adjust the pressure, keeping it from bleeding more. The word wound grows from the edge of skin into a pull of meaning, how hurt can travel from a cut to a quarrel or a careless word.
Real Context
Wound has three closely related threads in English. As a noun, it means an injury to tissue, such as a cut or puncture, and it can describe damage to skin or organs. As a verb, to wound means to injure someone, physically or emotionally; we commonly say a wound to someone's pride or to wound someone's feelings. Adjective usage is rare in modern everyday English; we usually use 'wounded' to describe someone who has been injured. Etymology traces to Old English 'wundian' (to injure) and relates to Latin 'vulnerare' (to wound). The pronunciation differs between the noun wound (/wuːnd/) and the past tense of wind (/woʊnd/), which is a common learner pitfall. The image of a soldier with a bandage evokes pain, care, and recovery.
Usage Reminders
- - Wound as a noun = an injury.
- - To wound = to injure someone, physically or emotionally.
- - Pronounce wound (noun) /wuːnd/ vs wound (past tense of wind) /woʊnd/.
- - Modern English prefers wounded for injured people, not wound.
- - Wound care, healing, and emotional wounds are different domains; choose words like hurt, injure, or wound appropriately.
Common Misconceptions
- Wound and wound (past tense of wind) are pronounced differently, leading to confusion.
- Wound is not commonly used as an adjective for someone who is injured; 'wounded' is preferred.
- A wound is not the same as an ache or hurt in emotions without an injury term.
- Confusing 'wound' with 'injured' or 'hurt' in all contexts.
- Mistaking 'wound' for 'wind' in writing when discussing injuries.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: Wound has both a noun and a verb sense, with different pronunciations for the noun (/wuːnd/) and the past tense of wind (/woʊnd/). Learners often assume it is primarily a physical injury and forget its emotional usage and the common adjective wounded.
Learning Tips
- Practice the noun (injury) vs verb (to injure) distinction in context.
- Remember the irregular pronunciation: wound /wuːnd/ vs wind (past tense) /woʊnd/.
- Prefer wounded for describing someone who is injured; reserve wound for the injury itself.
- Link emotional injuries with 'emotional wound' or 'wound to someone's pride'.
- Use wound care for medical contexts and avoid overgeneralizing to non-physical harm.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'wounds'?
A.A type of plant
B.An emotional state of happiness
C.Injuries to the body, often involving a break in the skin
D.A method of cooking
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct sentence that uses 'wounds'.
A.The soldier healed his wounds after the battle.
B.She prefers to eat healthy food to avoid any wounds.
C.His favorite book discusses how to grow wounds.
D.Wounds can be poetic symbols in literature.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'wounds'?
A.Joy
B.Injuries
C.Beauty
D.Triumph
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'wounds'?
A.Pain
B.Suffering
C.Healing
D.Loss
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where 'wounds' might be relevant?
A.After the accident, the emergency room treated several people.
B.Birds often sing beautifully in the morning.
C.He shared a story about how he healed his wounds after the conflict.
D.She won an award for her painting.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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