Reading Theme:
Pocket: Meanings, Examples & Usage Guide (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：a small bag sewn into clothing (pocket)
pocket
/ˈpɒkɪt/
n./adj./v.
A small bag sewn into clothing or a bag where you can keep small things like keys or money.
a small bag sewn into clothing
➕
/ə smɔːl bæɡ səʊn ˈɪntə ˈkləʊðɪŋ/
n./adj./v.
A pocket is a small bag-like compartment sewn into clothing for carrying small objects like keys, money, or a phone.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old French 'poque' (bag) + diminutive suffix '-et', meaning 'small bag'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think 'pouch' + 'et' (small) → a small pouch sewn into your clothes.
📖 Example
I always keep my phone in my pocket when I'm walking.
I always keep my phone in my pocket when I'm walking.
🔗 Collocations
pocket money – a small amount of money given to children regularly, or money for personal expenses
pocket knife – a small folding knife that can be carried in a pocket
pocket watch – a small watch designed to be carried in a pocket, often attached to a chain
🔄 Synonyms
pouch (n.) – a small bag or container, often for holding small items
compartment (n.) – a separate section or space within a larger container
bag (n.) – a flexible container with an opening, used for carrying items
🌱 Derivatives
pocketful (n.) – the amount that a pocket can hold
pocket-sized (adj.) – small enough to fit in a pocket
pocketing (v.) – the act of putting something into a pocket
📖 Cultural Story
Pocket evolved from the 13th-century Old French 'poque'. Sewn-in pockets became common in the 17th century, transforming how people carry everyday items.
Meaning 2：small and portable (pocket)
pocket
/ˈpɒkɪt/
n./adj./v.
Describes something small enough to be carried in a pocket; small and handy.
small and portable
➕
/smɔːl ænd ˈpɔːrtəbəl/
n./adj./v.
Used as an adjective, 'pocket' describes something designed to be small and easily carried, often fitting into a pocket.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She bought a pocket dictionary for her trip because it's easy to carry.
She bought a pocket dictionary for her trip because it's easy to carry.
🔗 Collocations
pocket dictionary – a very small dictionary that can be carried in a pocket
pocket calculator – a small electronic device for calculations, easy to carry
pocket-sized – small enough to fit in a pocket
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
pocket-sized (adj.) – small enough to fit in a pocket
Meaning 3：isolated area or fund (pocket)
pocket
/ˈpɒkɪt/
n./adj./v.
A small, isolated area or group that is different from its surroundings. Also, a supply of money or resources for a purpose.
isolated area or fund
➕
/ˈaɪsəleɪtɪd ˈɛriə ɔːr fʌnd/
n./adj./v.
A pocket can refer to a small, distinct area that differs from its surroundings, or a reserve of money or resources set aside for a specific purpose.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
This small pocket of ancient forest is home to many rare birds and plants.
This small pocket of ancient forest is home to many rare birds and plants.
🔗 Collocations
pocket of resistance – a small group that continues to oppose a larger force
pocket of poverty – a small area where poverty is concentrated
pocket of air – a small volume of air trapped within a solid or liquid
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
mainstream (n.) – the prevailing trend or majority
whole (n.) – the entire extent or quantity
deficit (n.) – a shortfall of money or resources
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