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teem

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /tiːm/

KK: /tim/

intransitive verb
Definition

To be full of something or to have a lot of things in a place, often used to describe a large number of living creatures or objects.


Example

The garden teems with colorful flowers in the spring.


Tense Forms

Past: teemed

Past Participle: teemed


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you seen the pond lately?
Sloth B
Yeah, it really teems with life during the summer.
Sloth A
I love how the water teems with frogs and fish.
Sloth B
Exactly! It's such a vibrant ecosystem.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
swarm
abound
overflow
Antonyms
lack
dwindle
deplete
transitive verb
Definition

To be full of or to be overflowing with something, often used to describe a large number of people or things present in a place.


Example

The garden teems with colorful flowers in the spring.


Tense Forms

Past: teemed

Past Participle: teemed


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you see how they teem with ideas during the brainstorming session?
Sloth B
Yeah, it was impressive to see everyone contribute so much.
Sloth A
I think the energy in the room really teemed with creativity.
Root Explanation

Teem originates from Old English 'teman', meaning to produce or bring forth. The word describes the act of being full or abundant, particularly in terms of life or activity.

Memory Tip

Think of 'bringing forth' ('teman') to remember that 'teem' means to be full of life or activity.

Visually Confused Words
tee
unteem
esteem
beteem
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
Definitely! It made the whole experience more enjoyable.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pour
spill
empty
Antonyms
collect
gather
contain