Reading Theme:
Flap Definition, Usage & Common Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：beat the wings (flap)
flap
/flæp/
v./n.
To move quickly up and down or from side to side, like a bird's wing.
beat the wings
➕
/bit ðə wɪŋz/
v./n.
To move something broad and flat, like a wing or a piece of cloth, up and down or back and forth in the air, often with a slapping sound.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Middle English 'flappe', likely imitative of the sound of a slap or a beating.
💡 Mnemonic
A FLAP is like a FLAt piece that Pats back and forth.
📖 Example
The little bird tried to flap its tiny wings to fly away from the cat.
A bird beating its wings to create lift and fly.
🔗 Collocations
flap its wings – to move its wings up and down
flap in the wind – to wave or flutter because of the wind
flap your arms – to move your arms up and down
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
still (adj.) – not moving
hold steady (v. phrase) – to keep something in a fixed position without moving
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'flap' likely originated as an imitation of a slapping or beating sound. Its meaning evolved to describe the motion that produces such a sound, like a bird's wing. In modern culture, a 'flap' on an aircraft wing is a crucial control surface that increases lift during takeoff and landing.
Meaning 2：hinged cover (flap)
flap
/flæp/
v./n.
A flat piece of material attached on one side to cover an opening.
hinged cover
➕
/hɪndʒd ˈkʌvər/
v./n.
A flat, usually flexible piece of material that is attached to something at one side and covers an opening or can be used to close something.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Make sure to seal the flap of the envelope properly before you mail it.
Close the attached paper cover on the envelope to secure it.
🔗 Collocations
envelope flap – the part of an envelope that folds down to seal it
pocket flap – a piece of cloth covering the opening of a pocket
tent flap – a movable piece at the entrance of a tent
🔄 Synonyms
Meaning 3：state of agitation (flap)
flap
/flæp/
v./n.
A state of being nervous, excited, or confused.
state of agitation
➕
/steɪt əv ˌædʒɪˈteɪʃən/
v./n.
A state of nervous excitement, worry, or confusion, often marked by fussy or agitated behavior.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She was in a bit of a flap before her presentation, checking her notes again and again.
She felt agitated and slightly panicked before her presentation.
🔗 Collocations
in a flap – in a state of agitation or nervous excitement
cause a flap – to cause a minor public fuss or commotion
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
flapdoodle (n.) – senseless talk or nonsense (informal, dated)
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