Langimage
English

holds

|holds|

A2

🇺🇸

/hoʊldz/

🇬🇧

/həʊldz/

(hold)

to keep or grasp

Base FormPluralPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNoun
holdholdingsholdersholdsheldheldholdingholdscurrent holding
Etymology
Etymology Information

'hold' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'healdan,' where 'heald-' meant 'to keep or guard.'

Historical Evolution

'healdan' transformed into the Middle English word 'holden,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hold.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to keep or guard,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to have or keep in one's grasp or possession.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to have or keep in one's grasp or possession.

She holds the book tightly.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to maintain or sustain a position or condition.

The bridge holds under the weight of the truck.

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Antonyms

Verb 3

to organize or conduct an event.

They hold a meeting every Monday.

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Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39