Coast

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/koʊst/

Definitions

• Noun: The land along the edge of the sea or ocean.
• Noun: A region of the country near or on the sea.
• Verb: To move easily without using power, especially by using the momentum of an initial force.
• Verb: To make progress or succeed with little effort or without much interference.

Usage Examples

• The ship sailed along the coast, enjoying the beautiful scenery.
• The coast of Italy is renowned for its stunning beaches.
• He coasted down the hill on his bike, barely pedaling.
• She coasts through life with ease, never struggling with any challenge.

Etymology

The word "coast" comes from the Latin "coasta," meaning "rib" or "side," referring to the side of a body of land, particularly along the shore. Over time, the meaning expanded to refer to the land along the edge of the sea or ocean.

Synonyms

• Shore
• Seaboard
• Seashore
• Beach
• Rim
• Edge
• Bank

Antonyms

• Interior
• Center
• Inland
• Core

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "coast" can vary based on regional accents. For example, in some coastal regions of the United States, the "t" in "coast" may be softened or dropped in casual speech, while in other English-speaking regions, the pronunciation may be more formal and clear.

Historical Usage

The word "coast" has been used in English since the late 14th century, derived from the Old French "coste" and directly from Latin "coasta," meaning "side" or "rib." Historically, the term referred primarily to the side of the land, especially along the sea, and was later extended to describe the general land along the ocean. The verb form "to coast" meaning to move with little effort was first recorded in the early 19th century.

Cultural Nuances

The idea of "coasting" can have positive or negative cultural connotations depending on the context. In a positive sense, it may refer to enjoying leisure or ease, such as in the case of a vacation along the coast. On the other hand, coasting can also imply a lack of effort or ambition, such as when someone is said to be "coasting through life" without fully engaging in challenges.

More Information

Coast is a versatile word that appears in many contexts, both literal and metaphorical. It can refer to physical geography, as in the "coastal regions," but it is also widely used in expressions related to effort or ease, such as "coasting through school" or "coasting downhill." In modern usage, the term has been embraced in both formal and informal contexts and continues to evolve in its application across different fields and cultures.