ground
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for ground, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The solid surface of the earth.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use ground
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English grund, related to Dutch grond and German Grund, all meaning the earth's surface or a foundation.
Full origin of ground →Frequently asked questions
What does “ground” mean?
The word “ground” means the solid surface of the earth. In plain terms, the earth's surface, a reason for something, or (as a verb) to stop someone going out, connect to earth electrically, or stop a plane from flying.
How do you pronounce “ground”?
“Ground” is pronounced grownd (/ɡɹaʊnd/ in IPA).
How do you use “ground” in a sentence?
Here is “ground” used in a sentence: “Leaves covered the ground after the storm.”
What is another word for “ground”?
Words with a similar meaning to “ground” include earth.
What part of speech is “ground”?
Depending on how it is used, “ground” can be a noun, a verb and an adjective.
Where does the word “ground” come from?
The word “ground” comes from Old English. From Old English grund, related to Dutch grond and German Grund, all meaning the earth's surface or a foundation.
Is “ground” a common word?
“Ground” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “ground” have?
“Ground” has 7 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the solid surface of the earth.
What is the difference between 'ground' and 'floor'?
Ground is the natural solid surface of the earth, found outdoors — grass, soil, or pavement beneath your feet. A floor is the built surface inside a room or structure. So you stand on the ground in a park but on the floor at home. Outdoors it's ground; indoors it's usually the floor.
What is the difference between 'ground' and 'soil'?
Ground is the solid surface of the earth in general — the firm area you walk on. Soil is specifically the loose upper layer of earth in which plants grow. Soil is a material you can dig up and hold; ground is the broader surface, which may be soil, rock, sand, or paving.
What is an example of 'ground' in a sentence?
You might say 'the climbers were glad to be back on solid ground,' or 'she dropped her keys on the ground.' In both, ground means the earth's surface beneath you. The word also appears in phrases like 'stand your ground' and 'break ground,' which stretch the idea into figurative use.