Meaning & use
grounding
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Meanings
nounsingular
A basic knowledge or training in a subject that prepares you for further study or work.
Grammar: Often used with 'in': a grounding in mathematics.
Patterns
- a grounding in something
- give someone a grounding in something
The course gives students a solid grounding in physics.
She has a good grounding in French grammar.
nouncountable or uncountable
A punishment, especially for a young person, that forbids them from going out with friends or doing enjoyable activities.
Grammar: Can be countable: 'a grounding' or uncountable: 'given a grounding'.
Patterns
- give someone a grounding
- get a grounding
His parents gave him a grounding for breaking the rules.
She got a grounding for a week.
noununcountabletechnicalAmerican
A connection of an electrical device to the earth, used to prevent electric shock.
Grammar: Uncountable; used in electrical contexts. In British English, 'earthing' is more common.
Patterns
- proper grounding
- grounding wire
Proper grounding of the equipment is essential for safety.
The electrician checked the grounding of the circuit.
Common combinations
- a grounding in
- A grounding in history is useful for law school.
- solid grounding
- He has a solid grounding in mathematics.
- grounding wire
- Connect the grounding wire to the metal frame.
- give someone a grounding
- The program gives young people a grounding in coding.
Synonyms and how they differ
- foundation
- Foundation is a broader term for the base of something; grounding specifically refers to basic training or knowledge.
- basis
- Basis is the main idea or starting point; grounding is more about practical preparation.
Word family
Commonly confused: grounding or groundedness?
grounding vs groundedness
Groundedness is the quality of being sensible and stable, while grounding is basic training or a punishment.
Practice
Choose the correct word: The teacher gave the students a good ______ in chemistry.
Choose one answer.
Grounding means basic training or knowledge, which fits the context. Groundedness is a quality, and ground/grounds do not fit the phrase 'a good ______ in chemistry'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “grounding”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.