Strand

Definition

Strand can refer to a single thin piece of thread, hair, or wire, a beach or shore, or the act of leaving someone in a helpless or unfavorable position.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /strænd/
• Respelling: STRAND (with "STRAND" rhyming with "land" and "hand")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /strænd/
• Respelling: STRAND (similar to American English, with "STRAND" rhyming with "land" and "hand")

In both dialects, "strand" is pronounced with the primary stress on the syllable, "STRAND." The pronunciation of "strand" is consistent between American and British English, clearly reflecting the word's phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "strand" comes from the Old English word "strand," which referred to the shore or riverbank. Its meaning expanded over time to include individual threads or fibers, and later as a verb to mean leaving someone in a difficult situation.

Derivatives

• Strandage
• Stranded
• Strandline
• Strandwolf
• Unstranded

Synonyms

As a noun (thread):

• Filament
• Fiber

As a noun (shore):

• Shore
• Beach

As a verb:

• Abandon
• Maroon

Antonyms

As a verb:

• Rescue
• Retrieve

Usage

"Strand" is a versatile word with different meanings when used as a noun or verb. It can describe a single thin length of something flexible like thread or hair, refer to a shore or beach, or describe the act of leaving someone in a helpless or unfavorable situation.

Related Terms

• Fiber
• Beach
• Maroon

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Thread or Fiber: A single thin length of something such as fiber, wire, or hair.‍
• Example: She found a strand of hair on her jacket.

• Shore or Beach: The land along the edge of a sea, lake, or wide river.‍
• Example: They walked along the strand collecting shells.

Verb

• Leave in a Helpless or Unfavorable Position: To leave (someone) in a place or situation from which they cannot escape.‍
• Example: Their car broke down, stranding them in the middle of nowhere.