Reading Theme:
Bullet: Definition, Usage & Common Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：projectile (bullet)
bullet
/ˈbʊlɪt/
n.
A small piece of metal that is shot from a gun, used as a projectile.
projectile
➕
/ˈprɒdʒəktaɪl/
n.
A small metal object, usually cylindrical with a pointed tip, designed to be fired from a firearm.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From French 'boulette', meaning 'small ball', itself a diminutive of 'boule' (ball).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a fast 'bullet train' – both are small, fast, and travel in a straight line (to a target or in a list).
📖 Example
In the shooting range, he aimed carefully and fired a bullet at the target to improve his accuracy.
In the shooting range, he aimed carefully and fired a bullet at the target to improve his accuracy.
🔗 Collocations
fire a bullet – to discharge a bullet from a gun
dodge a bullet – to narrowly avoid a dangerous or problematic situation (idiomatic)
bite the bullet – to endure a painful or difficult situation with courage (idiomatic)
🔄 Synonyms
projectile (n.) – An object propelled through the air, especially one fired from a weapon.
slug (n.) – A single bullet or pellet for a shotgun, especially a large one.
round (n.) – A single cartridge or bullet for a firearm.
🚫 Antonyms
shield (n.) – A broad piece of armor or protection carried to deflect attacks.
🌱 Derivatives
bulletproof (adj.) – Designed to resist the penetration of bullets.
📖 Cultural Story
Originating in the 16th century, 'bullet' derives from French 'boulette' (small ball). Early musket and cannon ammunition were indeed spherical. The word for list markers was coined in the 1980s, referencing the small, distinct shape resembling a traditional round bullet.
Meaning 2：list marker (bullet)
bullet
/ˈbʊlɪt/
n.
A small symbol, often a dot, used to mark items in a list for clear organization.
list marker
➕
/lɪst ˈmɑːkə/
n.
A typographical symbol, typically a solid dot (•), used to introduce items in a list for clear visual separation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
When preparing her presentation, she used bullet points to list the main benefits of the new software.
When preparing her presentation, she used bullet points to list the main benefits of the new software.
🔗 Collocations
bullet point – an item in a list preceded by a typographical bullet symbol
bullet list – a list where each item is marked with a bullet
put in bullets – to format text as a bulleted list
🔄 Synonyms
dot (n.) – A small round mark used similarly in lists or for punctuation.
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