Reading Theme:
Cast Verb: Meanings, Usage & Examples Explained (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：throw something (cast)
cast
/kɑːst/
v.
To throw something with your hand or arm.
throw something
➕
/θroʊ ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
v.
To propel an object through the air using the force of one's hand and arm.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old Norse 'kasta', meaning to throw. Related to the act of throwing away or shaping by dispersal.
💡 Mnemonic
CAST = Can't A Simple Throw? Think of a fisherman casting a line or an actor cast in a role.
📖 Example
The child learned to cast the fishing line far out into the lake.
The child learned to throw the fishing line far out into the lake.
🔗 Collocations
cast a line – to throw a fishing line into the water
cast a stone – to throw a stone
cast aside – to discard or reject something
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
casting (n.) – the act of throwing, especially a fishing line
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'cast' entered English from Old Norse 'kasta' (to throw) via the Vikings. Its original sense involved throwing away or throwing off, which later expanded metaphorically. Today, it is a core verb in diverse fields: from casting a ballot in elections to casting actors in a film, and casting metal in manufacturing.
Meaning 2：project light/shadow (cast)
cast
/kɑːst/
v.
To send light or shadow onto a surface.
project light/shadow
➕
/ˈprɒdʒ.ekt laɪt/ˈʃæd.əʊ/
v.
To cause light or shadow to appear on a surface by obstructing or directing a light source.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The setting sun cast a long, golden shadow of the tree across the garden wall.
The setting sun projected a long, golden shadow of the tree across the garden wall.
🔗 Collocations
cast a shadow – to create a shadow on a surface
cast light on – to make something clearer or to illuminate
cast a glow – to spread a soft light over something
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
absorb (v.) – to take in light or energy, not reflect or project it
Meaning 3：shape by pouring (cast)
cast
/kɑːst/
v.
To make an object by pouring liquid metal or plastic into a mold and letting it become hard.
shape by pouring
➕
/ʃeɪp baɪ ˈpɔːr.ɪŋ/
v.
To give a specific shape to a molten or fluid substance by pouring it into a mold where it solidifies.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
This intricate metal decoration was cast in bronze using a traditional sand mold.
This intricate metal decoration was shaped by pouring bronze into a traditional sand mold.
🔗 Collocations
cast in bronze – made by pouring molten bronze into a mold
cast iron – iron shaped by pouring into a mold
cast a statue – to create a statue using a molding process
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
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