flat in English
- flat⇄adj. 1. smooth and level; even.
Ex. flat land. This floor is flat.
(SYN) plane.
2. leveled with the ground; horizontal; at full length; overthrown.
Ex. The storm left the trees flat on the ground.
(SYN) prone, supine. < - flat⇄adv. flatly.
- flat⇄adv. 1. in or into a flat position; horizontally.
Ex. He fell flat on the floor.
2. (Music.) below the true pitch.
Ex. He was singing very flat.
3. (Figurative.) in a flat manner; positively; absolutely.
Ex. flat broke. - flat⇄expr. fall flat, to fail completely; have no effect or interest.
Ex. His attempts at clowning fell flat. - flat⇄expr. flat out, at maximum speed or effort.
Ex. Then in 1954 came the decision that Britain must go flat out in the making of the hydrogen bomb (New Scientist). - flat⇄expr. flats, a pair of women's shoes without built-up heels.
- flat⇄expr. that's flat, I mean it.
Ex. I'll not march through Coventry with them, that's flat (Shakespeare). - flat⇄flat (1), adjective, flatter,flattest,noun, adverb, verb, flatted,flatting.
- flat⇄flat (2), noun.
an apartment or set of rooms on one floor. - flat⇄noun flatness.
- flat⇄noun 1. something flat.
2. a flat surface.
Ex. with the flat of the sword. The palm of an open hand is the flat.
3. (Informal.) a tire with little air in it.
Ex. On examining the flat, Riar discovered a slash in the tread (Atlan - flat⇄v.i. 1. to become gradually flat or level.
Ex. The bank flatted off for the last ten miles (Thoreau).
2. (Music.) to sound below the true pitch.
3a. to sink down; subside (out).
Ex. The great surge of numbers rolls up noisily an - flat⇄v.t. 1. to make flat; flatten.
Ex. Suppose that the earth was flatted near the poles (Thomas G. Fessenden).
2. (Music.) to lower (a note), especially by one half step.
3. to draw in (a sail) nearly to the line of the keel.
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Flat
Part of Speech
adjective, noun, verb
Pronunciation
/flæt/
Definitions
- Adjective: Having a level surface with no raised areas or indentations.
- Adjective: Lacking variation or emotional intensity; dull or monotonous.
- Adjective: (of a tire or balloon) Deflated, with little or no air.
- Noun: A flat surface or area, especially one that is smooth and level.
- Noun: A type of apartment or living space, typically one that occupies part of a building.
- Verb: To make something flat or smooth, typically by pressing or flattening.
Usage Examples
- "The table has a flat surface that makes it perfect for writing."
- "The balloon went flat after it was punctured."
- "She lives in a flat on the third floor of the building."
- "I accidentally flattened the paper by placing a heavy book on top of it."
Etymology
The word "flat" comes from the Middle English "flat," meaning a level surface. It traces back to the Old English "flæte," which referred to something that is level or even. The word "flat" has been used since the 12th century, originally referring to level or smooth surfaces and later extending to describe other things, such as apartments and tires.
Synonyms
- Level
- Even
- Smooth
- Plain
- Unvaried
Antonyms
- Uneven
- Hilly
- Rough
- Raised
- Curved
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Plano | PLAH-no |
| French | Plat | plah |
| German | Flach | FLAHKH |
| Italian | Piatto | PYAHT-toh |
| Portuguese | Plano | PLAH-noh |
| Russian | Плоский | plos-kee |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 平的 | Píng de |
| Japanese | 平ら | Taira |
| Arabic | مستوٍ | Mustawi |
| Hindi | समतल | samatal |
| Bengali | সমতল | shomotol |
| Gujarati | સમતલ | samatal |
| Marathi | समतल | samatal |
| Telugu | సమతల | samathala |
| Tamil | சமரசமான | samrasamana |
| Malayalam | സമതല | samathala |
| Punjabi | ਸਮਤਲ | samatal |
| Odia | ସମତଳ | samatal |
| Assamese | সমতল | somotol |
| Maithili | समतल | samatal |
| Kannada | ಸಮತಲ | samathala |
| Dogri | समतल | samatal |
| Rajasthani | समतल | samatal |
| Haryanvi | समतल | samatal |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
The pronunciation of "flat" is generally consistent, though accents may differ. In American English, it may sound more like "flæt," while in British English, it may have a slightly softer "a" sound. In other languages, regional dialects may alter the pronunciation depending on the local phonetic rules.
Historical Usage
Initially, "flat" was used to describe surfaces that were level or even, particularly in reference to land or physical surfaces. By the 14th century, the term was also used to describe something that was level in terms of emotional tone or activity, indicating a lack of intensity. Over time, it became more associated with the physical state of objects, particularly when referring to tires, land, and even housing (as in a "flat" or apartment). The term gained widespread usage in both British and American English, especially in the context of living spaces and mechanics.
Cultural Nuances
In various cultures, the word "flat" has different connotations. In the context of housing, a "flat" is commonly used in British English to refer to an apartment, whereas in American English, the word "apartment" is more frequently used. The word "flat" can also carry metaphorical meanings, such as describing a dull or emotionless mood ("feeling flat"). Culturally, the idea of "flat" can evoke both simplicity and a lack of variety or excitement, whether it refers to a surface, an object, or even a person's disposition.
More Information
The word "flat" is incredibly versatile in the English language. As an adjective, it typically refers to something that is level, even, or lacking in elevation. It can describe surfaces, tires, or even people's emotions. As a noun, it can refer to a type of living space, particularly in British English, where it denotes an apartment or a unit in a building. As a verb, it means to make something level or smooth. Over time, the word "flat" has developed metaphorical meanings, including describing monotony or dullness, and has expanded to various cultural contexts around the world.