Definition of "word" in Anglais

noun

1. (semantics) The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)

2. Something like such a unit of language:

3. The fact or act of speaking, as opposed to taking action. .

4. (now rare outside certain phrases) Something that someone said; a comment, utterance; speech.

5. (obsolete outside certain phrases) A watchword or rallying cry, a verbal signal (even when consisting of multiple words).

   • mum's the word

6. (obsolete) A proverb or motto.

7. (uncountable) News; tidings.

   • Have you had any word from John yet?
   • I've tried for weeks to get word, but I still don't know where she is or if she's all right.

8. An order; a request or instruction; an expression of will.

   • He sent word that we should strike camp before winter.
   • Don't fire till I give the word
   • Their mother's word was law.

9. A promise; an oath or guarantee.

   • I give you my word that I will be there on time.

10. A brief discussion or conversation.

    • I managed to murmur some words of consolation as I left the funeral.
    • Can I have a word with you?

11. (meiosis) A minor reprimand.

    • I had a word with him about it.

12. (in the plural) See words.

    • There had been words between him and the secretary about the outcome of the meeting.

13. (theology, sometimes Word) Communication from God; the message of the Christian gospel; the Bible, Scripture.

    • Her parents had lived in Botswana, spreading the word among the tribespeople.

14. (theology, sometimes Word) Logos, Christ.

verb

1. (transitive) To say or write (something) using particular words; to phrase (something).

   • I’m not sure how to word this letter to the council.

2. (transitive, obsolete) To flatter with words, to cajole.

3. (transitive) To ply or overpower with words.

4. (transitive, rare) To conjure with a word.

5. (intransitive, archaic) To speak, to use words; to converse, to discourse.

interjection

1. (slang) Truth, indeed, that is the truth! The shortened form of the statement "My word is my bond."