Reading Theme:
Course: Definitions, Usage & Common Examples (4 meaning)
Meaning 1：academic class (course)
course
/kɔːrs/
n.
A series of lessons or studies on a particular subject, like at a school or university.
academic class
➕
/ˌækəˈdɛmɪk klæs/
n.
A structured series of lessons or a complete unit of study on a specific subject, typically offered by an educational institution.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'cursus' (a running, journey, course), from 'currere' (to run).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a golf course: you progress from hole to hole, just like progressing through lessons in a class.
📖 Example
I'm really enjoying my new photography course at the community college.
I'm really enjoying my new photography class at the community college.
🔗 Collocations
take a course – to enroll in and attend a series of classes
course materials – the books, notes, and other resources used for a class
course of study – a complete program of academic subjects
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
break (n.) – A pause or interval from scheduled activities like classes.
🌱 Derivatives
coursework (n.) – Work done by students as part of a course of study.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'course' entered English via Old French 'cours', meaning a run or flow. Its Latin root 'currere' (to run) underlies many words like 'current', 'occur', and 'recourse', linking to ideas of movement and progression. In academia, 'taking a course' metaphorically follows a set path of learning.
Meaning 2：passage of time (course)
course
/kɔːrs/
n.
The way something happens or develops over a period of time; the natural progress of events.
passage of time
➕
/ˈpæsɪʤ əv taɪm/
n.
Refers to the continuous progression or unfolding of events over a duration.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Over the course of the project, we learned a lot about teamwork and problem-solving.
During the time span of the project, we learned a lot about teamwork and problem-solving.
🔗 Collocations
in the course of – during the process or time of something happening
over the course of – throughout the duration of a period
change course – to alter the direction or plan of action
🔄 Synonyms
duration (n.) – The length of time that something continues.
progression (n.) – The process of developing or moving gradually towards a more advanced state.
🚫 Antonyms
stasis (n.) – A period or state of inactivity or equilibrium, with no development.
Meaning 3：route or path (course)
course
/kɔːrs/
n.
The path or direction along which something moves, like a river, a ship, or a plane.
route or path
➕
/rut ɔr pæθ/
n.
The planned or actual direction of travel for a vehicle, vessel, or moving object.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The ship had to alter its course to avoid the incoming storm.
The ship had to change its route to avoid the incoming storm.
🔗 Collocations
on course – following the correct or planned path
set a course – to plan and establish a direction for travel
main course – the primary direction of travel (also used for the main dish of a meal)
🔄 Synonyms
route (n.) – A way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.
trajectory (n.) – The path described by a projectile flying or an object moving under the action of given forces.
🚫 Antonyms
standstill (n.) – A situation or condition without movement or progress.
Meaning 4：part of a meal (course)
course
/kɔːrs/
n.
One part of a meal, such as a starter, main dish, or dessert.
part of a meal
➕
/pɑrt əv ə mil/
n.
A distinct stage or portion of a meal, such as an appetizer, main dish, or dessert, served separately.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
For the main course, I'll have the grilled salmon with vegetables, please.
For the main part of the meal, I'll have the grilled salmon with vegetables, please.
🔗 Collocations
main course – the primary and most substantial dish of a meal
first course – the initial dish served, often a soup or salad; appetizer
multi-course meal – a meal consisting of several separate dishes served in sequence
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