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aground

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /əˈɡraʊnd/

KK: /əˈɡraʊnd/

adjective
Definition

Referring to a ship or boat that is stuck on the ground or the bottom of a body of water, unable to move.


Example

The ship ran aground during the storm.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the boat that got stuck last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, I saw it on the news; it ran aground near the harbor.
Sloth A
That's so unfortunate! I hope they can get it back in the water soon.
Sloth B
Me too! It must be a hassle to deal with a boat aground like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
stranded
beached
grounded
Antonyms
floating
afloat
adrift
adverb
Definition

In a position where a ship or boat is stuck on the ground or bottom of a body of water, often unable to move.


Example

The ship ran aground during the storm and was stuck on the sand.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about that boat that got stuck aground last night?
Sloth B
Yeah, I saw it on the news! They had to send a team to help it.
Sloth A
I can't believe it happened so close to the shore.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Aground → The word originates from Old English 'on grund', meaning on the ground or bottom. It describes a vessel that is resting on the ground or seabed, typically due to low water levels.

Memory Tip

Picture a ship that is 'on the ground' ('on grund') — that's why aground means a ship is stuck or resting on the bottom.

Visually Confused Words
ground
around
groundy
grounds
round
playground
fairground
campground
Is this page helpful?
I know! It must have been stressful for everyone on board.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ashore
stranded
grounded
Antonyms
afloat
adrift
aloft