Reading Theme:
Particle Definition, Examples & Common Uses (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：tiny speck (particle)
particle
/ˈpɑːrtɪkl/
n.
A tiny bit of something, like dust, sand, or a speck of dirt. It's so small you can barely see it.
tiny speck
➕
/ˈtaɪni spek/
n.
A minute fragment or unit of matter, often too small to be seen clearly with the naked eye.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'particula', meaning 'a small part, grain, bit', derived from 'pars' (part).
💡 Mnemonic
A particle is a PART that is small like an ICLE (icicle). Both are tiny.
📖 Example
A particle of dust danced in the sunbeam that shone through the window.
A tiny speck of dust danced in the sunbeam that shone through the window.
🔗 Collocations
dust particle – a tiny piece of dust
subatomic particle – a component of an atom (e.g., proton, electron)
particle physics – the branch of physics studying subatomic particles
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
particulate (adj./n.) – relating to or in the form of minute separate particles
📖 Cultural Story
In physics, the term gained prominence in the 20th century with the discovery of subatomic particles, transforming our understanding of matter's fundamental nature, leading to the development of particle accelerators and the Standard Model.
Meaning 2：grammatical particle (particle)
particle
/ˈpɑːrtɪkl/
n.
A small word that has a grammatical function but not a full meaning by itself, like ‘up’ in ‘pick up’ or ‘to’ in an infinitive verb.
grammatical particle
➕
/ɡrəˈmætɪkl ˈpɑːrtɪkl/
n.
A function word that has a grammatical role but little or no inherent meaning on its own. It often modifies verbs or indicates relationships.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the sentence ‘I’m just going to the shop’, the word ‘to’ is a particle that shows direction.
In the sentence ‘I’m just going to the shop’, the word ‘to’ is a grammatical particle that shows direction.
🔗 Collocations
phrasal verb particle – an adverb or preposition that combines with a verb to create a new meaning (e.g., 'up' in 'give up')
infinitive particle – the word 'to' used before the base form of a verb to mark the infinitive
sentence particle – a word that adds nuance to a sentence (e.g., question markers in some languages)
🔄 Synonyms
function word (n.) – a word with grammatical importance but little lexical meaning (e.g., preposition, conjunction)
grammatical marker (n.) – a morpheme that indicates a grammatical function or category
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