A1noun1K

Pound

UK /["/paʊnd/"]/US /["/paʊnd/"]/

Definition

the unit of money in the UK, worth 100 pence

In simple words: To hit something repeatedly or with great force.

Examples

  • The recipe calls for one pound of flour.
  • A pound of feathers weighs the same as a pound of lead.
  • He gave the door a pound with his fist to get attention.
  • The baby weighs eight pounds at birth.
  • The dog can pound on the door when it wants to come inside.

Usage notes

Use 'pound' when talking about hitting or striking something hard. It's neutral but can be seen as informal in contexts involving physical activities. Avoid using it in formal writing about sensitive topics.

Grammar pattern

pound + object

Memory hint

Think of a drum — you pound on it to make music!

Collocations

  • pound the pavement
  • pound on the door
  • pound out a rhythm

Synonyms

  • strike
  • hit
  • beat
  • batter
  • bash

Antonyms

  • ounce
  • weakness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'pound' as a measure of weight vs. the action of hitting.
  • Incorrectly using 'pound' with inanimate objects when the context suggests a person.
  • Using 'pounding' as a noun when referring to the action instead of the gerund.