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berth

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /bɜrθ/

KK: /bɜrθ/

intransitive verb
Definition

To arrive at a place where a ship can be secured or docked.


Example

The ship will berth at the harbor by noon.


Tense Forms

Past: berthed

Past Participle: berthed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see the ship berth at the harbor this morning?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was impressive to watch it come in.
Sloth A
I heard it was carrying some really cool cargo.
Sloth B
I can’t wait to see what they unload!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dock
moor
anchor
Antonyms
depart
leave
drift
noun
Definition

A place where a ship can dock or anchor, or a bed or bunk on a ship or train.


Example

The cruise ship found a berth at the harbor to unload its passengers.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see that big ship at the harbor?
Sloth B
Yeah, it looked like it had a nice berth to dock.
Sloth A
I wonder how many people it can carry with all that space.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To place a ship in a designated area for docking or mooring.


Example

The captain decided to berth the ship at the harbor for the night.


Tense Forms

Past: berthed

Past Participle: berthed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see the captain berth the ship at the dock?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was really impressive how smoothly he did it.
Sloth A
I wonder how they decide where to berth all the boats.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Berth originates from Old English 'berth' (meaning a place to sleep or rest). It refers to a designated sleeping space, especially on a ship or in a train.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'place to sleep' in Old English — that's what a berth is, a designated spot for resting.

Visually Confused Words
berith
erth
beth
unberth
betroth
benorth
yerth
earth
Is this page helpful?
Probably a lot! It must have some comfortable berths inside too.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
bunk
position
dock
Antonyms
displacement
departure
vacancy
I think it depends on the size and type of the vessel.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
dock
moor
anchor
Antonyms
displace
remove
unmoor