Do

Definition

Do is a verb that generally means to perform, accomplish, or carry out an action, task, or job. It can also be used as an auxiliary verb to form questions, negatives, and emphatic statements.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /duː/
• Respelling: DOO

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /duː/
• Respelling: DOO

Etymology

The word "do" originates from the Old English "dōn," meaning "to make or act," which has cognates in Old Norse "doa" and Dutch "doen." It has retained its form and core meanings since the early stages of the English language, evolving to take on functions as both a main verb and an auxiliary verb.

Derivatives

• Does (present third person singular)
• Did (past tense)
• Doing (present participle)
• Done (past participle)
• Redo (verb)

Synonyms

• Perform
• Accomplish
• Execute

Antonyms

• Fail
• Neglect
• Ignore

Usage

The verb "do" is used both as a main verb and an auxiliary verb. As a main verb, it means to perform or carry out an action, e.g., "She will do the laundry." As an auxiliary verb, it helps form questions, negatives, and emphatic expressions, such as "Do you understand?" or "I do like this song."

Related Terms

• Action: The process of doing something to achieve an aim.
• Execute: To carry out a plan, order, or course of action.
• Achieve: To successfully bring about or reach a goal.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To perform or carry out an action or task: Refers to completing an action, duty, or job.
  • Example: "He will do the homework tonight."
• To act as an auxiliary verb to form questions, negatives, or emphatic statements: Used in grammar to support the structure of a sentence without changing its primary meaning.
  • Example: "Do you know where the library is?"