Reading Theme:
Run Meaning: Definitions, Examples, and Usage Tips (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：move quickly on foot (run)
run
/rʌn/
v.
To move your legs quickly so you go faster than walking.
move quickly on foot
➕
/muːv ˈkwɪkli ɒn fʊt/
v.
To move at a speed faster than walking by using your legs rapidly.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'rinnan' (to flow, run); related to German 'rennen' and Dutch 'rennen'.
💡 Mnemonic
Picture legs moving fast: the letters R-U-N look like a side view of a running person.
📖 Example
Every morning, she runs around the park to stay healthy.
Every morning, she runs around the park to stay healthy.
🔗 Collocations
run fast – move quickly
run a marathon – participate in a long-distance race
run away – escape quickly
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Originally meaning 'to flow' (e.g., rivers run), the word evolved in Old English to describe rapid movement. In the 19th century, it gained the sense of managing a business, likely from the idea of 'running' a race or course.
Meaning 2：operate a business (run)
run
/rʌn/
v.
To be in charge of something, like a business or an event, and make it work.
operate a business
➕
/ˈɒpəreɪt ə ˈbɪznəs/
v.
To be in charge of the day-to-day activities and decisions of a company, shop, or similar entity.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My aunt and uncle run a small, friendly café in the city center.
My aunt and uncle run a small, friendly café in the city center.
🔗 Collocations
run a company – manage a business firm
run a project – supervise and coordinate a project
run an election – organize and conduct an election
🔄 Synonyms
manage (v.) – to control or be in charge of
operate (v.) – to control the functioning of
administer (v.) – to manage and be responsible for the running of
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
manager (n.) – a person responsible for running a business
management (n.) – the process of dealing with or controlling things
runway (n.) – a long strip of ground used for planes to take off and land (figurative extension from 'run')
Meaning 3：function properly (run)
run
/rʌn/
v.
When a machine or program is working and doing its job.
function properly
➕
/ˈfʌŋkʃən ˈprɒpəli/
v.
When a machine, computer, or software is working and performing its intended tasks.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
My old laptop is slow, but it still runs the basic programs I need for school.
My old laptop is slow, but it still runs the basic programs I need for school.
🔗 Collocations
run a program – execute software
run smoothly – operate without problems
run out of power – to deplete energy
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
Wordbook
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