Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈkɔːr.nɚ/ (American), /ˈkɔː.nə/ (British)

Phonetic: KOR-ner (American), KAW-nuh (British)

Definitions

• (Noun) The point or area where two edges or surfaces meet.
• (Noun) A secluded or hidden part of a place.
• (Noun) A difficult situation with limited options.
• (Verb) To force someone into a difficult or inescapable position.
• (Verb) To control the supply of a product or market.

Usage Examples

• "She placed the chair in the corner of the room."
• "He felt trapped, as if he had been backed into a corner."
• "The company tried to corner the smartphone market."

Etymology

From Old French corne ("horn, point"), from Latin cornu ("horn, tip"). The term evolved to signify a meeting point of two surfaces or a difficult situation.

Synonyms

• Angle
• Edge
• Intersection
• Nook
• Predicament (figurative)

Antonyms

• Center
• Middle
• Open space

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• American English: /ˈkɔːr.nɚ/ (KOR-ner)
• British English: /ˈkɔː.nə/ (KAW-nuh)
• Australian English: /ˈkɔː.nə/ (KAW-nuh)

Historical Usage

The term "corner" has been in use since the 14th century. Initially, it referred to physical meeting points of walls or streets. Later, it gained figurative meanings, such as being in a difficult situation.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, corners symbolize security (e.g., "safe corners" for children) but also isolation (e.g., "being backed into a corner"). The phrase "cornering the market" is widely used in business contexts.

More Information

From architecture to sports, "corner" has multiple specialized meanings. In soccer, a "corner kick" is awarded when the ball crosses the goal line but was last touched by the defending team. In business, "cornering" a market means gaining exclusive control over it.