Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/fɔːrd/

Definitions

• As a noun: A shallow place in a river or stream where one can cross by wading or driving through.
• As a verb: To cross a body of water at a shallow place, typically by wading or driving a vehicle.
• Proper noun: A brand name for the Ford Motor Company, a major American automobile manufacturer.

Usage Examples

• The travelers managed to ford the river by walking across its shallow part.
• The car was able to ford the stream without any problems, thanks to its four-wheel drive.
• Ford is one of the leading manufacturers of cars and trucks worldwide.

Etymology

The word "ford" comes from Old English "ford," meaning a shallow place in a river or stream, and is related to the Old High German "furd," meaning the same. The modern use of the term also refers to the Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford in 1903, which became synonymous with mass-produced automobiles.

Synonyms

• Shallow
• Crossing
• Stream crossing
• Fording place
• Passage

Antonyms

• Deep
• Impassable
• Blocked
• Inaccessible

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "ford" is generally uniform across English-speaking regions. However, regional accents may influence the emphasis or quality of the vowel sound, with some English dialects giving a softer "o" sound, while others pronounce it more prominently.

Historical Usage

The term "ford" has been used for centuries, dating back to Old English and other Germanic languages. It was commonly used in reference to shallow crossing points in rivers, which were crucial for transportation in earlier times. The name also became widely known through the Ford Motor Company, which revolutionized the automobile industry in the early 20th century.

Cultural Nuances

The word "ford" has been historically significant in cultures where rivers and streams were important for travel and commerce. It often symbolized a place of transition or passage, both literally and figuratively. The Ford Motor Company also holds cultural significance, especially in the United States, where it played a major role in the industrial revolution and the popularization of the automobile.

More Information

The term "ford" holds both practical and historical significance. In its original sense, it referred to a shallow part of a river or stream, often used by travelers to cross from one side to the other. The Ford Motor Company, founded by Henry Ford, played a significant role in the development of mass production techniques and the automotive industry, making it a household name globally. The term continues to be used in modern times, both as a geographic feature and as a brand name associated with vehicles.