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tumbrel

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈtʌmbrəl/

KK: /ˈtʌmbrəl/

noun
Definition

A simple cart that is often used to transport prisoners to their execution or to carry farm goods.


Example

During the French Revolution, the tumbrel was used to take prisoners to the guillotine.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever read about the history of the tumbrel?
Sloth B
No, I haven't. What is it?
Sloth A
It's actually a cart used to carry prisoners during the French Revolution.
Sloth B
That's interesting! I didn't know they had a specific name for that.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
cart
wagon
vehicle
Antonyms
prison
freedom
liberation
Root Explanation

Tumbrel → The word originates from Old French *tondre* (meaning to tumble or roll) and *tumbrel* (meaning a cart or wheelbarrow). A tumbrel is a type of cart that tumbles or rolls, often associated with carrying goods or people.

Memory Tip

Imagine a cart that 'tumbles' or 'rolls' along, which helps you remember that a tumbrel is a type of cart.

Visually Confused Words
umbrel
umbriel
timbrel
umbel
umbrella
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