the solid surface of the earth that we stand, walk, or lie on
The dog lay on the cool ground under the tree.
After the rain, the ground was muddy and slippery.
✦ Old English “grund” meaning bottom or foundation, later broadening to the surface of the earth.
a reason or cause for believing, saying, or doing something (often used in the plural “grounds”)
The judge found no grounds to reopen the case.
Maria had good grounds for suspicion when she saw the broken lock.
✦ Extended from the idea of something solid that supports weight to something that supports an argument or action.
a wire or other connection that safely carries electricity into the earth to prevent shocks
The electrician attached the green wire to the ground.
Without a proper ground, the metal case could become dangerous.
✦ Adopted in the 19th-century telegraph industry, using the earth itself as the return path for electric current.
to punish a child or teenager by not allowing them to go out or enjoy certain activities for a period of time
Mom grounded Tim for a week after he broke the window.
If you ever skip school again, I will ground you.
✦ First recorded in U.S. English in the 19th century, likening the child to an aircraft kept on the ground and not allowed to take off.
to stop an aircraft from flying, or to stop something/someone from moving or operating
The storm grounded all flights from the island.
Mechanical problems can ground a plane for hours.
✦ Early 20th-century aviation term: to keep a plane on the ground for safety or mechanical reasons.
to base an opinion, idea, or action firmly on something solid or reliable
The teacher asked us to ground our arguments in real evidence.
His novel is grounded in true historical events.
✦ Metaphorically extended from something resting on the physical ground to ideas resting on solid facts.
the part of a scene or picture that is farthest from the viewer and not the main focus
Snowy mountains rose in the background of the holiday photo.
A small boat drifted past while the city skyline shimmered in the background.
quiet sound, music, or noise that is present but not the main focus
Soft jazz played in the background while we ate dinner.
He likes to keep the TV on in the background when he studies.
the general situation or conditions in which something happens and that helps explain it
The speech came against a background of rising unemployment.
To understand the conflict, you need some historical background.
to crush something into small particles or powder by rubbing it against a rough surface.
Grind the coffee beans fresh each morning.
He grinds pepper onto his steak at the dinner table.
✦ From Old English grindan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch grinden and German grindern.
to rub against something with a harsh or grating sound or motion.
Her teeth grind at night while she sleeps.
The rusty gears grind as the old machine starts.
the sound, action, or result of grinding something.
The grind of the mill wheels echoed through the valley.
There was a terrible grind of metal on metal.
to work or study very hard over a long period, especially at something boring or difficult.
Students often grind through the night before exams.
He grinds away at his job to support his family.
hard, dull, or monotonous work or routine.
The daily grind wore him down after years.
She escaped the nine-to-five grind.
to repeat the same actions many times in a video game to gain experience, levels, or items.
Gamers often grind for hours to level up.
She grinds daily quests in the MMORPG.
✦ From Old English grindan, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch grinden and German grindern. Modern gaming sense from repetitive 'grinding' motion.
