a groove

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A long, narrow cut or indentation in a surface, especially one made to guide something.

   Grammar: Countable: a groove, the grooves, deep grooves. Often used with 'in' or 'on'.

   Patterns

   • a groove in something
   • cut a groove
   • fit into a groove

   The carpenter cut a groove in the wood for the wire.

   The needle follows the groove on the record.

   Rainwater had worn a groove in the stone path.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountableinformal

   A pleasant, rhythmic pattern in music, especially in jazz, funk, or pop.

   Grammar: Can be countable (a groove) or uncountable (the band had groove). Often used with 'in' or 'into'.

   Patterns

   • get into a groove
   • in the groove
   • a funky groove

   The drummer laid down a steady groove that got everyone dancing.

   This song has a great groove that makes you want to move.

   The band found their groove after a few songs.

3. 3nounsingularinformal

   A settled, comfortable routine or way of doing something.

   Grammar: Usually in the phrase 'in a groove' or 'in the groove', meaning working smoothly.

   Patterns

   • in a groove
   • get into a groove
   • settle into a groove

   After a slow start, the team got into a groove and won easily.

   He's in a groove with his studying and doesn't want to stop.

   It took me a month to settle into a groove at my new job.

Word forms

Common combinations

cut a groove

The machine cuts a groove into the metal.

get into a groove

The band got into a groove and played for hours.

in the groove

She's really in the groove with her painting these days.

a deep groove

The old record has a deep groove that the needle follows.

Synonyms and how they differ

channel

A channel is usually wider and often carries liquid; a groove is narrower and can be just a mark.

rut

A rut is a deep track worn by wheels; 'groove' is more general and can be intentional.

rhythm

Rhythm is the general pattern of beats; 'groove' suggests a particularly enjoyable, danceable rhythm.

Word family

grooved adjective

Having grooves; e.g., a grooved surface.

grooving verb

Present participle of groove; also informal for dancing or enjoying music.

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “a groove”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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