Tent

Definition

Tent refers to a portable shelter made of fabric or other materials, supported by poles and ropes, commonly used for camping or temporary accommodation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɛnt/
• Respelling: TENT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tɛnt/
• Respelling: TENT

Etymology

The word "tent" originates from Old French "tente," derived from Latin "tentorium," meaning "a shelter made of stretched cloth," from "tendere," meaning "to stretch." It entered Middle English in the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Tented (adjective)
• Tenting (verb/noun)
• Tenter (noun, archaic)
• Retent (noun, rare)
• Untented (adjective)

Synonyms

• Shelter
• Canopy
• Pavilion

Antonyms

• Building
• House
• Structure

Usage

The noun "tent" is commonly used to describe portable shelters for outdoor activities. For example, "They pitched a tent near the lake for the night." As a verb, it refers to the act of setting up or living in a tent, e.g., "We tented in the woods during our hike."

Related Terms

• Camp: A temporary setup of tents or shelters.
• Canvas: The fabric often used for tents.
• Pitch: The act of setting up a tent.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A portable shelter made of fabric or similar materials: Refers to a temporary dwelling used for camping or protection.
  • Example: "The hikers carried a lightweight tent in their backpacks."
• A ceremonial or decorative structure: Refers to large tents used for events or displays.
  • Example: "The festival was held under a large tent on the field."

Verb

• To set up or occupy a tent: Refers to the action of using a tent for temporary shelter.
  • Example: "They tented along the riverbank for the weekend."
• To cover or enclose with a tent-like structure: Refers to creating a sheltering canopy.
  • Example: "The construction site was tented to protect it from the rain."