Reading Theme:
Stint Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：a period of work (stint)
stint
/stɪnt/
n.
A specific period of time that you work somewhere, like a summer job or internship.
a period of work
➕
/ə ˈpɪəriəd əv wɜːk/
n.
Refers to a specific, often limited, period during which a person performs a particular job, role, or activity. It typically implies the work is temporary or for a fixed duration.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Originates from Old English 'styntan,' meaning 'to dull, blunt,' which evolved to mean 'to limit or restrict.' The core idea is of imposing a limit or boundary.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of a STint as a STOP for a brief INTerval of time. It's a temporary job or a moment where you stop yourself from using too much.
📖 Example
After graduation, she did a stint as a volunteer at an art gallery before finding a full-time job.
This sentence describes a temporary period of unpaid work that someone undertook after finishing their studies.
🔗 Collocations
do a stint – to work for a specific, limited period
a brief stint – a very short period of work
a summer stint – a job or role held specifically during the summer months
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
permanent position (n. phrase) – A job or role intended to last for an indefinite, long-term period.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'stint' comes from Old English 'styntan,' meaning 'to blunt' or 'to dull.' By the 14th century, its sense had shifted to 'to limit' or 'to restrain.' This historical evolution from physically blunting something to metaphorically limiting it explains its modern meanings: to limit the supply of something (verb) or a limited period of time spent doing something (noun).
Meaning 2：to limit or be sparing with (stint)
stint
/stɪnt/
n.
To give or use less of something than is needed, often to save it.
to limit or be sparing with
➕
/tuː ˈlɪmɪt ɔː biː ˈspeərɪŋ wɪð/
n.
To provide, use, or allow something in a restricted or meager amount. It often involves being frugal or holding back to conserve a resource.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
When camping, we must not stint on water, but we should use it carefully.
This advises against being overly restrictive with water supply in a wilderness setting, while still promoting careful usage.
🔗 Collocations
stint on – to limit the amount of something provided or used
don't stint – an encouragement to be generous or not to hold back
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
unstinting (adj.) – Given or giving generously and without restraint.
stinted (adj.) – Limited or restricted in growth or development.
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