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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Wedge: Definition, Usage & Practical Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：triangular tool (wedge)

wedge 🔊

/wɛdʒ/

n./vt.

A triangular-shaped piece used to hold things in place or split them apart.

Wedge tool diagram showing a triangular wood block stabilizing a wobbly table leg.

triangular tool 🔊

➕

/traɪˈæŋɡjələr tuːl/

n./vt.

A piece with a triangular shape, commonly used to secure objects in place or to split them apart by applying force.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old English 'wecg', meaning a wedge-shaped object or tool.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a wedge of cheese: triangular shape, perfect for holding or splitting things.

📖 Example

He used a wooden wedge to stop the door from swinging shut in the wind. 🔊 He used a wooden wedge to prevent the door from closing due to the wind.

🔗 Collocations

door wedge – a wedge used to hold a door open

golf wedge – a type of golf club with a lofted face for short shots

wedge issue – a divisive political or social topic that splits opinions

🔄 Synonyms

chock (n.) – a block or wedge used to prevent movement, especially of wheels

block (n.) – a solid piece of material used to support or obstruct something

shim (n.) – a thin wedge used for alignment or filling gaps

🚫 Antonyms

gap (n.) – an open space or break between objects

opening (n.) – a hole or aperture that allows passage

🌱 Derivatives

wedged (adj.) – fixed in place using a wedge

wedging (n.) – the act of using a wedge to secure or split

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old English 'wecg', used for splitting or securing. In modern contexts, 'wedge' refers to golf clubs for short shots and metaphorically to divisive social or political issues.

Meaning 2：force into a tight space (wedge)

wedge 🔊

/wɛdʒ/

n./vt.

To force something into a narrow space to keep it from moving or to fit something in tightly.

Illustration of wedging action, forcing a thin object under a door to secure it.

force into a tight space 🔊

➕

/fɔːrs ɪnˈtuː ə taɪt speɪs/

n./vt.

To push or squeeze something into a narrow opening to keep it from moving or to make it fit securely.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

She managed to wedge her backpack between the train seat and the window to save space. 🔊 She successfully forced her backpack into the gap between the train seat and the window to conserve space.

🔗 Collocations

wedge open – to use a wedge to keep something open, like a door

wedge between – to force something into the space between two objects

wedge in – to squeeze something into a confined or limited space

🔄 Synonyms

jam (vt.) – to force something tightly into a space, often causing it to stick

cram (vt.) – to fill a space by pushing things in forcefully

stuff (vt.) – to push something into a container or space until it is full

🚫 Antonyms

remove (vt.) – to take something away from a place

extract (vt.) – to pull or draw something out, especially with effort

pull out (phr. v.) – to remove by pulling forcefully

🌱 Derivatives

wedged (adj.) – forced or stuck into a tight space

wedging (n.) – the action of forcing something into a narrow space