cotton
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkɒtən/
KK: /ˈkɑtən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To come to understand something, often used informally with the prepositions 'to' or 'onto'.
Example
After a few weeks, I finally cottoned to the new rules at work.
Tense Forms
Past: cottoned
Past Participle: cottoned
Conversation
I just don't think he's ever going to cotton to that new policy.
Yeah, he seems pretty set in his ways about it.
I wonder if anyone can actually get him to cotton to the changes.
It might take some time, but I believe he can if it's explained well.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
grasp
comprehend
understand
Antonyms
misunderstand
ignore
overlook
noun
Definition
A soft, fluffy material that comes from the seeds of certain plants, used to make clothes and other products.
Example
She bought a cotton shirt for the summer.
Conversation
I just bought a new shirt made of cotton fabric.
That sounds really comfortable!
Yeah, it's perfect for warm weather since cotton breathes well.
Root Explanation
Cotton comes from the Arabic word 'qutn' (meaning cotton) and was adopted into Old French as 'cotton' (meaning the same). The word refers to the soft fiber obtained from the cotton plant, used for making textiles.
Memory Tip
Think of the Arabic word 'qutn' for cotton, which helps you remember that cotton is the soft fiber used in fabrics.
Visually Confused Words
croton
cotoin
cothon
corton
procotton
otto
guncotton
coto