Land - Wikipedia-style Article
Land
Definition
Land is a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the part of the Earth's surface that is not covered by water, often used to describe terrain, property, or a country. As a verb, it means to come to rest on the ground or to achieve a specific outcome or position.
Parts of Speech
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /lænd/
- Respelling: LAND
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /lænd/
- Respelling: LAND
Etymology
The word "land" originates from Old English "land" or "lond," meaning "ground, soil, or territory." It is derived from Proto-Germanic "landą," which has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "land" and Gothic "landa," and ultimately stems from Proto-Indo-European "lendh-" meaning "land or heath."
Derivatives
- Landowner (noun)
- Landlord (noun)
- Landmark (noun)
- Landing (noun)
- Landless (adjective)
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
The noun "land" is commonly used to describe property or territory, as in "The farmer owns a vast expanse of land." The verb "land" is used to describe the action of reaching the ground, such as "The plane landed safely," or achieving a goal, as in "She landed her dream job."
Related Terms
- Terrain: A stretch of land, especially regarding its physical features.
- Property: Land or real estate owned by an individual or entity.
- Territory: A defined area of land under the jurisdiction of a ruler or state.
Detailed Definitions
Noun
- The solid part of the Earth's surface: Refers to any area not covered by water.
- Example: "After days at sea, they finally reached land."
- A specific area of ground, property, or country: Refers to an owned or designated area.
- Example: "They purchased a plot of land to build their home."
- Soil or terrain suitable for farming or building: Refers to the quality of the ground.
- Example: "This land is fertile and perfect for agriculture."
Verb
- To come to rest on the ground: Refers to the act of descending to the Earth's surface.
- Example: "The bird landed on the branch."
- To achieve a goal or secure a position: Refers to success or accomplishment.
- Example: "He landed a spot on the team."
- To deliver a blow or hit effectively: Refers to striking a target.
- Example: "She landed a punch on her opponent."