A1noun1K

Map

UK /["/mæp/"]/US /["/mæp/"]/

Definition

a drawing or plan of the earth’s surface or part of it, showing countries, towns, rivers, etc.

In simple words: A drawing or picture that shows where places are.

Examples

  • I used a map to find my way to the museum.
  • This map shows all the streets in the city.
  • We need a map for our hiking trip in the mountains.
  • The teacher asked us to map out our ideas on paper.
  • Each student will map their own journey with illustrations.

Usage notes

Use 'map' when referring to physical or digital representations of geographic areas. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. Not commonly used to describe abstract concepts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a giant 'M' in the shape of a map pointing the way.

Collocations

  • large-scale
  • small-scale
  • accurate
  • read
  • use
  • check
  • indicate something
  • show something
  • depict something
  • projection
  • according to map
  • off the map
  • on a/​the map

Synonyms

  • chart
  • guide
  • plan
  • blueprint

Antonyms

  • chaos
  • disorder

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'map' with 'chart' - a chart is often more specific to data representation.
  • Using 'maps' to refer to 'map' in singular settings.
  • Not distinguishing between physical maps and digital maps.