earth
The planet we live on
The planet where humans, animals, and plants live.
the Earth
- Earth is about 93 million miles from the Sun.
- Protecting Earth’s environment is a global priority.
- Astronauts can see Earth from space.
- Earth rotates once every 24 hours.
- We live on Earth.
- Earth goes around the Sun.
- The Moon goes around Earth.
- Earth is our home.
Soil or ground surface
The soil or dirt on the ground.
[something] on the earth
- The farmer turned over the earth with a spade.
- Seeds must be planted in fertile earth.
- He fell heavily to the earth.
- The tree grows in the earth.
- She digs the earth with a shovel.
- I dropped my keys on the earth.
Electrical connection to ground
A wire or connection that sends electricity safely into the ground.
[something] connected to earth
- The appliance must be connected to earth to prevent electric shock.
- An earth wire is essential for safety.
- Technicians checked that the system was properly earthed.
- This machine has an earth wire.
- We connect it to earth for safety.
- The green wire is for earth.
To connect electrically to ground
To attach a wire so electricity can go into the ground safely.
to earth [something]
- Always earth metal parts of the equipment before use.
- The electrician earthed the washing machine correctly.
- You must earth the circuit to avoid danger.
- We must earth this machine.
- He earthed the computer case.
- They did not earth the light.
Human world vs. heaven/space
The place where people live, not heaven or space.
- He vowed to travel to the ends of the Earth for her.
- Nothing on Earth could make me change my mind.
- They believe life on Earth is temporary compared to eternity in heaven.
- We live on Earth, not in heaven.
- Nothing on Earth is more beautiful than this view.
- People dream of leaving Earth for space.
- Base: earth
- Plural: earth, earths
- Base: earth
- 3rd Person Singular: earths
- Present Participle: earthing
- Past: earthed
down to earth
1Practical and realistic attitude
Being practical, sensible, and not pretentious.
- Despite his fame, he’s very down to earth.
- She gave me some down-to-earth advice about money.
end of the earth
1Very distant place/extreme limit of effort
A very far place, or doing as much as possible for someone/something.
- I’d go to the ends of the earth for my children.
- They searched to the ends of the earth for a cure.
heaven and earth
1Everything possible; great extremes
To do everything you can; or referring to the big difference between heaven and our world.
- She moved heaven and earth to get him released from prison.
- Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
on Earth
1Located here or for emphasis
Used to say something is on this planet, or to make a question/statement stronger.
- Where on Earth have you been?
- No place on Earth compares to this beach.
salt of the earth
1Good, honest, reliable person
A very good, honest, and dependable person.
- My grandmother was truly the salt of the earth—kind and humble.
- He's the salt of the earth, always ready to help others.
salt of the earth
2Kind, honest, good person(s)
A person who is very good, honest, and helpful.
- They’re the salt of the earth — always helping others.
- Farmers are often described as the salt of the earth.