The word 'case' is incredibly versatile, spanning multiple domains such as law, linguistics, and everyday conversation. In legal contexts, it often denotes a judicial proceeding or argument. In linguistics, it can refer to grammatical cases such as nominative, accusative, etc. As a noun, it also serves to describe physical containers, like a suitcase or phone case. Its etymological roots reflect its adaptability, evolving to meet the needs of different eras and disciplines. Understanding the various uses of 'case' enhances comprehension across languages and cultures.
case in English
- case⇄case (1), noun.
1a. an example; instance.
Ex. The lost books were another case of his carelessness. A case of this kind happened a few years ago.
b. any special condition of a person or thing; situation; state.
Ex. a case of pover - case⇄case (2), noun, verb, cased,casing.
- case⇄case (3), noun.
a cavity in the head of the sperm whale which contains spermaceti and oil. - case⇄expr. get (or come) down to cases, (Especially U.S.) to come to the point; attend to the facts or the matter at hand.
Ex. ""Unless we get down to cases soon,"" he says, ""there's a danger that we'll break up before anybody realizes what's involved" - case⇄expr. get off one's case, (U.S. Slang.) to leave one alone; stop annoying or harrassing one.
Ex. When pressed about her boyfriends she gets very sarcastic and ... will say something like ""Get off my case"" (New York Post). - case⇄expr. in any case, no matter what happens; anyhow.
Ex. In any case, you should prepare for the worst. - case⇄expr. in case of, if there should be; in the event of.
Ex. In case of fire, walk quietly to the nearestdoor. - case⇄expr. in case, if it should happen that; if; supposing.
Ex. What would you do in case fire broke out at home? - case⇄expr. in no case, under no circumstances; never.
Ex. In no case should you panic. - case⇄expr. just in case, in anticipation of some irregularity, mishap, or misfortune; merely as a protective measure.
Ex. On that night the village was shaken by a storm and the priest had grumbled mildly at being kept out of bed, but the Roncallis beli - case⇄noun caser.
- case⇄noun 1. a thing to hold or cover something; container; receptacle.
Ex. a typewriter case, a cigarette case.
(SYN) holder.
2. a covering; sheath.
Ex. Put the knife back in its case.
(SYN) casing.
3a. a box; crate. - case⇄packing box orcase
a box or case for packing goods in. - case⇄v.t. 1. to put in a case; cover with a case.
Ex. He cased the books for shipping.
(SYN) enclose, encase.
2. to face (a building) with superior material.
Ex. The builders cased the lower story of the building with stone.
3
case in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
case in Marathi मराठी
case in Sindhi سنڌي
case in Telugu తెలుగు
case Deals on Amazon
Case
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/keɪs/ (British & American English)
Definitions
- (Noun) An instance of a particular situation; an example of something occurring.
- (Noun) A container or box for holding objects.
- (Verb) To cover or surround with a protective layer.
Usage Examples
- The lawyer presented a compelling case in court.
- She bought a leather case for her new laptop.
- The statue was carefully cased in bubble wrap for shipping.
Etymology
Derived from Old French cas, from Latin casus meaning "event" or "occurrence," and Late Latin capsa meaning "box" or "container."
Synonyms
- Instance
- Example
- Box
- Container
Antonyms
- Certainty
- Whole
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Caso | /ˈkaso/ |
| French | Cas | /ka/ |
| German | Fall | /fal/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 案例 | /àn lì/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
No significant regional variations in English.
Historical Usage
The word 'case' has been used since the Middle Ages in legal and everyday contexts, often referring to specific situations or containers.
Cultural Nuances
In legal terms, 'case' often refers to court proceedings. In everyday contexts, it can mean a container or a situation, depending on usage.