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Learn more English in a Minute
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(Clips: Getty)
Introduction
You might already know one meaning of 'spring' – it's the season after winter, where the temperature begins to warm up and leaves begin to bud. But do you know these four other meanings? Get to know the word 'spring' with Georgie!
4 meanings of 'spring'
jump quickly
Spring is a verb meaning to jump in a quick, sudden movement. The past tense is sprang.
- The cat sprang onto the platform.
- When the doorbell rang, I sprang from my chair to answer it.
metal coil
A spring is a coiled piece of wire which will return to its original shape after it is stretched or squashed.
- This bed is uncomfortable because you can really feel the springs in the mattress.
- Oh no! I opened my watch and a tiny spring fell out. I need to find it!
appear / begin to exist
If something springs up, it unexpectedly appears; if it springs from something, it is brought into existence by something.
- Many of their problems spring from a lack of communication.
- New vape shops are springing up every week – they are taking over the high street!
water source
A spring is a natural water source that comes from below ground to the surface.
- Spring water has lots of minerals, but to drink it, you have to make sure it's safe.
- There used to be a natural spring in the hills above our house, but it has dried up now.
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Download a free transcript!
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TRANSCRIPT
Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript.
Georgie
Spring! You probably know the season, but do you know these other meanings? Spring is another word for jump. It's a quick and sudden movement. The past tense is sprang.
Example
The cat sprang onto the platform.
Georgie
Spring is also a noun – a coiled piece of metal which returns to its original shape when squeezed.
Example
This bed is uncomfortable because you can really feel the springs in the mattress.
Georgie
Spring can be a verb meaning to appear or begin to exist.
Example
Many of their problems spring from a lack of communication.
Georgie
Lastly, a spring is a natural water source that comes from below ground to the surface.
Example
Spring water has lots of minerals, but to drink it, you have to make sure it's safe.
Georgie
So, a spring can be a jump, a metal coil, a verb meaning to appear or begin to exist, and a water source. Did you know all these meanings?
Next
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