Reading Theme:
Given: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：specified or fixed (given)
given
/ˈɡɪv(ə)n/
adj.
Specific or fixed; referring to something that has been decided or is known.
specified or fixed
➕
/ˈspɛsɪfaɪd ɔːr fɪkst/
adj.
Describes something that is already determined, decided, or known, and not subject to change.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'giefan', meaning 'to give'. As an adjective, it means 'provided' or 'specified'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of your 'given name' – it's the name specifically assigned to you, not chosen.
📖 Example
The teacher said that, given her hard work, she deserved a high score.
The teacher stated that, considering her hard work (which is a known fact), she deserved a high score.
🔗 Collocations
at a given time – at a specific, predetermined time
a given name – a person's first name, which is specifically assigned
under given conditions – under specific, fixed circumstances
🔄 Synonyms
specified (adj.) – clearly and precisely stated
stated (adj.) – declared or expressed in words
particular (adj.) – a specific one as opposed to others
🚫 Antonyms
unspecified (adj.) – not stated or described in detail
unknown (adj.) – not known or identified
🌱 Derivatives
givenness (n.) – the quality or state of being given or accepted as fact
📖 Cultural Story
In mathematics and logic, 'given' is used as a formal term to introduce a premise or a known condition, preceding conclusions. For example, a theorem often starts with 'Given that...', establishing the foundational facts.
Meaning 2：assuming as a basis (given)
given
/ˈɡɪv(ə)n/
adj.
Taken as a fact or as true to start with, used as the basis for further discussion or reasoning.
assuming as a basis
➕
/əˈsjuːmɪŋ æz ə ˈbeɪsɪs/
adj.
Used to introduce a fact or situation that is accepted as true and used as the starting point for an argument, discussion, or calculation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The doctor explained the treatment plan, saying, "Given that the patient is young and otherwise healthy, we expect a full recovery."
The doctor explained the treatment plan, stating, "Based on the accepted fact that the patient is young and otherwise healthy, we expect a full recovery."
🔗 Collocations
given that – considering the fact that
given the fact that – based on the specific known fact that
be given – be assumed or accepted as a starting point
🔄 Synonyms
presupposed (adj.) – accepted as true beforehand as a basis for argument
assumed (adj.) – taken for granted or accepted as true without proof
granted (adj.) – acknowledged as a fact for the sake of argument
🚫 Antonyms
disregarding (prep.) – paying no attention to; ignoring
ignoring (prep.) – refusing to take notice of
🌱 Derivatives
given (n.) – something that is granted or assumed
Wordbook
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