Part of Speech

Verb (Past Tense)

Pronunciation

/kɔːt/

Definitions

1. Past tense of "catch", meaning to have taken hold of or captured something.

2. To be surprised or trapped in a situation or action.

3. To become aware of something, especially unexpectedly.

Usage Examples

1. She caught the ball with one hand during the game.

2. He was caught in the act of cheating on the test.

3. I caught a glimpse of her as she passed by.

Etymology

From Old French 'cachier', derived from Late Latin 'captiare', meaning to seize or catch.

Synonyms

Seized, captured, nabbed, trapped, apprehended, grasped

Antonyms

Released, freed, missed, let go

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the pronunciation of "caught" may shift slightly, with the vowel sound in the first syllable being more elongated in Southern American English, and shortened in British English.

Historical Usage

The word "caught" has been in use since Middle English, derived from the Old French and Latin words for "capture" and "seize." Over time, it expanded to include figurative meanings such as being caught in a situation or circumstance, often with negative connotations like being caught in a lie or crime.

Cultural Nuances

In different cultures, the concept of being "caught" can carry various implications. In Western cultures, it often conveys a negative outcome, such as getting caught in wrongdoing. However, in some cultures, being caught may have a more neutral or even positive connotation, like catching a fish or a prize during a celebration.

More Information

The word "caught" is used widely across English in various contexts, from legal terms to everyday expressions. It has evolved to describe not only the physical act of capturing something but also more abstract concepts such as being trapped in an event or situation. For instance, one might be "caught in traffic," or "caught by surprise." The versatility of the term reflects its broad usage in describing events or circumstances where something or someone is unexpectedly involved or engaged.