chest in English
- chest⇄chest, noun.
1a. the front part of the human body between the neck and the abdomen. It is enclosed by the ribs.
(SYN) thorax.
b. the corresponding part in other animals.
2. a large box with a lid, used for holding things. - chest⇄expr. get (something) off one's chest, (Informal.) to express troubling thoughts, knowledge, or feelings and unburden oneself.
Ex. This director has accumulated a considerable number of grudges. In his book ... he gets a good many off his chest (Li - chest⇄expr. play it (or one's cards) close to the chest, (Informal.) to act cautiously or secretively.
Ex. The FBI was either playing it close to the chest or there was not enough evidence for them to proceed (London Times).
chest in Kashmiri कॉशुर
chest in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
chest in Sindhi سنڌي
chest in Tamil தமிழ்
Chest
Part of Speech
Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/ʧɛst/
Definitions
- As a noun: A large, strong container used for storing clothes, valuables, or other items, typically with a lid and often made of wood.
- As a noun: The front part of the human torso, between the neck and the abdomen, containing the heart and lungs.
- As a verb: To store or place something in a chest or box.
Usage Examples
- "She opened the old chest to reveal a collection of antique jewelry."
- "He placed the documents safely in the chest for storage."
- "After the injury, he felt a sharp pain in his chest."
Etymology
The word "chest" comes from the Old French word "caisse," meaning a box or container, derived from the Latin word "capsa," meaning a box or case. It has been used in English since the 12th century to describe both the human torso and a type of storage container.
Synonyms
- Box
- Case
- Trunk
- Crate
- Container
Antonyms
- Open
- Unpacked
- Exposed
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Cofre | /ˈkofɾe/ |
| French | Coffre | /kɔfʁ/ |
| German | Truhe | /ˈtʁuːə/ |
| Italian | Cassa | /ˈkassa/ |
| Portuguese | Baú | /baˈu/ |
| Hindi | संदूक (Sandook) | /səndʊk/ |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 箱子 (Xiāngzi) | /ɕjɑŋ tsɨ/ |
| Japanese | 箱 (Hako) | /hako/ |
| Russian | Сундук (Sunduk) | /ˈsundʊk/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- In some regional dialects of English, especially in the United States, "chest" may be pronounced with a soft "t" sound, such as "chess" (/ʧɛs/).
- In British English, the pronunciation tends to emphasize the "t" sound more distinctly, as /ʧɛst/.
Historical Usage
The word "chest" has been used in English since the 12th century to describe both a container and the upper part of the human torso. Over time, the word has expanded in meaning, referring to various types of storage containers, including trunks, strongboxes, and treasure chests. It has also become a standard anatomical term for the part of the body housing vital organs like the heart and lungs.
Cultural Nuances
Chests, as storage containers, have been significant in various cultures, often used to store important items such as clothing, documents, or valuables. The concept of a "treasure chest" is commonly associated with pirates in popular culture. The human chest, as a physical term, has a deep association with strength, protection, and vulnerability due to its role in housing critical organs.
More Information
The "chest" is a term rich in both practical and metaphorical significance. While the noun form commonly refers to a physical storage container or the human torso, the verb "to chest" can also mean to store or to hold something in a chest-like container. Chests in history were often used for safeguarding treasures, and even in modern times, the word "chest" evokes the idea of protection, whether it is a chest of valuables or the protective nature of the human ribcage.