Card Meaning: Payment and Identification Card Guide

Meaning 1：payment or identification card (card)

card 🔊

/kɑːrd/

A small, flat, usually rectangular piece of stiff paper or plastic with information on it, used for a particular purpose like payment or identification.

Hand holding a credit card on a wooden table

payment or identification card 🔊

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/ˈpeɪmənt ɔːr aɪˌdentɪfɪˈkeɪʃən kɑːrd/

A small, flat, rectangular piece of stiff paper or plastic that carries information and is used for making payments, identifying a person, or accessing services.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'charta' (paper) via French 'carte'.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a credit 'card' as a small 'carpet' of plastic that you carry in your wallet.

📖 Example

I always keep my library card in my wallet so I can borrow books anytime. 🔊 I always keep my library card in my wallet so I can borrow books anytime.

🔗 Collocations

credit card – A small plastic card that allows the holder to buy goods or services on credit.

debit card – A card that deducts money directly from the holder's bank account for purchases.

ID card – A card with a person's photo and personal information, used to verify identity.

🔄 Synonyms

identification card (n.) – A card that confirms a person's identity, typically having a photo and personal details.

credit card (n.) – A card allowing purchases on credit, with repayment later.

debit card (n.) – A card linked to a bank account, used to withdraw money or pay directly from that account.

🌱 Derivatives

cardboard (n.) – Stiff material made from paper pulp, used for making boxes and cards.

cardholder (n.) – A person who holds a credit or debit card.

card-carrying (adj.) – Being an official and active member of an organization, often used for unions or political parties.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'card' traces back to Greek 'khartes' (papyrus leaf). With the rise of banking in the 20th century, 'card' became essential for credit and ID.