C1noun1K

Tide

UK /["/taɪd/"]/US /["/taɪd/"]/

Definition

a regular rise and fall in the level of the sea, caused by the pull of the moon and sun; the flow of water that happens as the sea rises and falls

In simple words: The rise and fall of the sea level, caused by the moon and sun.

Examples

  • The tide comes in every six hours along the coast.
  • We planned our beach walk to avoid the high tide.
  • The strong tide swept the swimmers away from the shore.
  • Scientists study the tide to better understand ocean currents.
  • The rising tide symbolizes a change in public opinion.
  • After the scandal, there was a tide of protests across the city.
  • A tide of emotions overwhelmed him when he heard the news.
  • The political tide is shifting toward more progressive policies.

Usage notes

Used commonly in discussions about the ocean or beach. 'Tide' can refer to the times when the water level is high (high tide) or low (low tide). Avoid using in non-contextual situations where it doesn't pertain to water.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Remember 'tide' like a time-bound event, as in 'time flows like the ocean'.

Collocations

  • strong
  • flood
  • incoming
  • catch
  • be in
  • be out
  • come in
  • line
  • mark
  • pool
  • at… tide
  • on a/​the tide
  • growing
  • rising
  • shifting
  • go with
  • ride
  • go against
  • run
  • carry somebody/​something along
  • turn
  • against a/​the tide
  • on a tide
  • tide against
  • the tide of history
  • the turn of the tide
  • growing
  • rising
  • shifting
  • go with
  • ride
  • go against
  • run
  • carry somebody/​something along
  • turn
  • against a/​the tide
  • on a tide
  • tide against
  • the tide of history
  • the turn of the tide

Synonyms

  • current
  • flow
  • wave

Antonyms

  • ebb

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'tide' with 'tied' (past tense of tie)
  • Using 'tide' to refer to general water levels instead of specifically ocean or sea levels
  • Mispronouncing 'tide' as 'tidee'