B2adjective 1K

Concrete

UK /["/ˈkɒŋkriːt/"]/ US /["/ˈkɑːnkriːt/","/kɑːnˈkriːt/"]/ Pronunciation

Definition

made of concrete

Listen to definition

In simple words: A hard, strong material used to make buildings and roads.

Examples

• a concrete floor
• **concrete evidence/proposals/proof**
• ‘It's only a suspicion,’ she said, ‘nothing concrete.’
• It is easier to think **in concrete terms** rather than in the abstract.
• By the end of the meeting some fairly concrete proposals had been put forward.
• This is an urban tragedy that needs concrete action, not just concern.

Usage notes

Used primarily to describe materials or specific objects. Not typically used in abstract contexts, except when metaphorically describing something as solid or tangible.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'concrete jungle' — a city filled with lots of hard concrete buildings.

Collocations

• concrete wall
• concrete floor
• concrete structure
• concrete evidence
• concrete example

Synonyms

• cement
• concrete mix
• concrete material

Antonyms

• abstract
• intangible

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'concret' — the French equivalent, which means the same.
• Using it to describe abstract concepts instead of physical materials.
• Mispronouncing as 'concreet' instead of 'concrete'.