catch
Catch (verb) means to capture or seize something moving, such as a ball or a fleeing person. Example: “She caught the frisbee with one hand.”
How to use catch
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo grab hold of something in motion, to pick up on something with your senses, or (as a noun) a hidden downside to a deal.
The past tense is "caught," not "catched."
Word forms
- Singular
- catches, catch, caught, catched, catchest, catchedst, caughtest, catcheth
- Plural
- catches, catch, caught, catched
- Past tense
- caught, catched
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Sorry, I didn't _____ your name.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman cachier, a variant of Old French chacier — the same root that gave English "chase."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for catch
See all rhymes for catch →Frequently asked questions
What does “catch” mean?
The word “catch” means to capture or seize something moving, such as a ball or a fleeing person. In plain terms, to grab hold of something in motion, to pick up on something with your senses, or (as a noun) a hidden downside to a deal.
How do you pronounce “catch”?
“Catch” is pronounced kach (/kæt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “catch” in a sentence?
Here is “catch” used in a sentence: “Sorry, I didn't catch your name.”
What is another word for “catch”?
Words with a similar meaning to “catch” include seizure, capture, collar, snatch, grasp and haul.
What is the opposite of “catch”?
The opposite of “catch” — its antonyms — are drop and release.
What part of speech is “catch”?
Depending on how it is used, “catch” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “catch” come from?
The word “catch” comes from Old French. From Anglo-Norman cachier, a variant of Old French chacier — the same root that gave English "chase.".
Is “catch” a common word?
“Catch” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between 'catch' and 'grab'?
To catch is to seize something that is moving, often through the air, like a ball or a falling object — timing matters. To grab is to take hold of something suddenly and firmly, whether it is moving or not. You catch a thrown ball, but you grab a handle.
What is the past tense of 'catch'?
The past tense of 'catch' is 'caught,' not 'catched.' It is an irregular verb, so the same form works for the simple past and the past participle — 'she caught the ball' and 'she has caught the ball.' 'Catching' is the present participle.
What is the opposite of 'catch'?
When catch means to seize a moving object, its natural opposites are 'throw,' 'release,' and 'drop' — the actions of letting go rather than taking hold. If catch means to successfully grab something, then 'miss' is the opposite, meaning to fail to seize it.
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