A1noun1K

Flat

UK /["/flæt/"]/US /["/flæt/"]/

Definition

a set of rooms for living in, usually on one floor of a building

In simple words: Something that is smooth and level without bumps or hills.

Examples

  • The flat was spacious and filled with natural light.
  • She lives on the top floor in a beautiful flat.
  • After the tire went flat, we had to change it on the roadside.
  • He stepped on a flat surface to keep his balance.
  • The cake was perfectly flat after it cooled.

Usage notes

Use 'flat' to describe surfaces, objects, or a person's mood. Not appropriate for describing people in a negative or rude way; can imply dullness if used for personality.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of a pancake, which is flat and delicious.

Collocations

  • big
  • spacious
  • modest
  • block
  • have
  • own
  • rent
  • be located
  • face something
  • overlook something
  • at a/​the flat
  • in a/​the flat
  • convert something into flats
  • divide something into flats
  • make something into flats
  • coastal
  • tidal
  • mud
  • on the flat

Synonyms

  • level
  • smooth
  • even
  • horizontal
  • straight

Antonyms

  • curved
  • bumpy
  • uneven

Common mistakes

  • Confusing with 'plane' which refers to a geometric concept.
  • Using 'flat' where 'flatter' is needed grammatically.
  • Misusing as a verb; 'flat' is mainly an adjective.