Cool MateLock it vs Seal
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Lock it
Top 2,000 (common)
Seal
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
| Lock it | Seal | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //lɒk ɪt//🇺🇸 //lɑk ɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/siːl/","/siːlz/","/siːld/","/ˈsiːlɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/siːl/","/siːlz/","/siːld/","/ˈsiːlɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To secure something by closing it. | A sea animal that has flippers and can swim. |
| Example | Make sure to lock it before you leave the house. | Please seal the envelope before you mail it to ensure the contents don't fall out. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | lock it up, lock it down, lock it securely | carefully, properly, tightly, from, with, carefully, properly, tightly, from, with |
| Antonyms | - | open, unseal, uncover |
| Common mistakes | Confuse with 'unlock it', which means to open something., Omitting the object, e.g., saying 'lock' without specifying what is locked. | 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 it' when referring to securing doors, cabinets, or devices. Suitable for most contexts. Avoid slang situations. | 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 it vs Seal
What's the difference between Lock it and Seal?
Lock it: To secure something by closing it. Seal: A sea animal that has flippers and can swim.
Can you show an example of each?
Lock it: Make sure to lock it before you leave the house. Seal: Please seal the envelope before you mail it to ensure the contents don't fall out.
Can I use Lock it and Seal interchangeably?
Not always. Lock it 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.