Cool MateLock vs Seal
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Lock
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Seal
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Lock
| Lock | Seal | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/lɒk/","/lɒks/","/lɒkt/","/ˈlɒkɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/lɑːk/","/lɑːks/","/lɑːkt/","/ˈlɑːkɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/siːl/","/siːlz/","/siːld/","/ˈsiːlɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/siːl/","/siːlz/","/siːld/","/ˈsiːlɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | A device that keeps things secure and needs a key or combination to open. | A sea animal that has flippers and can swim. |
| Example | Please make sure to lock the door before you leave. | Please seal the envelope before you mail it to ensure the contents don't fall out. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | carefully, automatically, electronically, forget to, be firmly locked, be securely locked, keep something locked, away, in, in, be safely locked, be securely locked | carefully, properly, tightly, from, with, carefully, properly, tightly, from, with |
| Antonyms | unlock, open | open, unseal, uncover |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'unlock', not realizing they are opposites., Using 'lock' as a noun instead of a verb incorrectly., Mispronouncing 'lock' as 'luck'. | Confused with 'ceal' — make sure to remember the correct spelling., Using 'seal' when they mean 'sign' or 'approval'., Mispronouncing the word, often saying it like 'see-al'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'lock' when talking about securing something, like a door or a bike. Avoid using it in very casual conversations where simpler terms like 'close' may be more appropriate. | Use 'seal' when referring to the animal or when discussing sealing something in a formal context. Avoid using in informal conversations unless referring to the animal. |
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Frequently asked questions: Lock vs Seal
What's the difference between Lock and Seal?
Lock: A device that keeps things secure and needs a key or combination to open. Seal: A sea animal that has flippers and can swim.
Which is more common: Lock and Seal?
Lock is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Lock and Seal?
Seal is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Lock and Seal the same CEFR level?
Lock: A2, Seal: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Lock and Seal?
Lock: verb, Seal: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Lock: Please make sure to lock the door before you leave. Seal: Please seal the envelope before you mail it to ensure the contents don't fall out.
Can I use Lock and Seal interchangeably?
Not always. Lock and Seal are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.