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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Inch: Definition, Examples, and Usage Guide (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：a unit of length (inch)

inch 🔊

/ɪntʃ/

n., v.

A unit for measuring short distances, equal to 2.54 centimeters.

Close-up of a ruler showing the 1 inch mark with a quarter coin for scale

a unit of length 🔊

➕

/ə ˈjuːnɪt əv lɛŋθ/

n., v.

A standard unit for measuring short distances, equal to 2.54 centimeters or 1/12 of a foot.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'uncia' meaning twelfth part; later into Old English 'ynce'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'pinch' - you only take a tiny amount, just like an inch is a very small unit.

📖 Example

The new smartphone has a screen that is just over six inches from corner to corner. 🔊 The new smartphone has a screen that is just over six inches from corner to corner.

🔗 Collocations

every inch – completely; in every way

inch by inch – gradually; one small step at a time

within an inch of one's life – almost to the point of death or extreme damage

🔄 Synonyms

centimeter (n.) – A metric unit of length, roughly 0.3937 inches.

foot (n.) – A unit of length equal to 12 inches.

measure (n.) – A standard unit used to express size or quantity.

🚫 Antonyms

mile (n.) – A much larger unit of length, equal to 63,360 inches.

🌱 Derivatives

inching (v.) – present participle of inch; moving slowly and carefully.

📖 Cultural Story

Inch originates from the Roman uncia (twelfth of a foot). In 14th-century England, King Edward II defined an inch as three barleycorns laid end to end.

Meaning 2：move slowly and carefully (inch)

inch 🔊

/ɪntʃ/

n., v.

To move very slowly and carefully, a tiny bit at a time.

Person cautiously inching across a narrow stone bridge over a misty gorge

move slowly and carefully 🔊

➕

/muːv ˈsloʊli ænd ˈkɛrfli/

n., v.

To move very gradually, often with caution or difficulty, advancing only a tiny bit at a time.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The cat inched its way along the narrow garden wall, trying not to fall. 🔊 The cat inched its way along the narrow garden wall, trying not to fall.

🔗 Collocations

inch forward – to move ahead very slowly

inch closer – to approach gradually

inch one's way – to make progress slowly and cautiously

🔄 Synonyms

creep (v.) – To move slowly and quietly, often to avoid being noticed.

edge (v.) – To move gradually and carefully in a particular direction.

sidle (v.) – To move sideways in a nervous or stealthy manner.

🚫 Antonyms

dash (v.) – To run or move quickly and suddenly.

sprint (v.) – To run at top speed for a short distance.

🌱 Derivatives

inched (adj.) – Having moved slowly; also used in compounds like 'inch-by-inch progress'.