tool
gb/tˈul/ us/tˈul/
A2
English
~ 1800
szerszám, szoftveres eszköz, segédprogram, báb, eszköz, köcsög, seggfej, bunkó
NOUN
A2
1
szerszám
A2
Usage pattern:
use [a tool] to [do something]
The mechanic grabbed a tool from the box.
A szerelő kivett egy szerszámot a ládából.
A hammer is a simple but useful tool.
A kalapács egyszerű, de hasznos szerszám.
You need the right tool for this job.
She bought some gardening tools at the store.
Learner examples
I use a tool to fix my bike.
A biciklim megjavításához szerszámot használok.
This tool is very heavy.
Ez a szerszám nagyon nehéz.
We need a tool to open the box.
He has many tools in his garage.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'tool' with 'machine'. A machine often has moving parts and may use power, while a tool can be simple and manual.
Meaning
Device for doing a task
Collocations
hand tool
|power tool
|garden tool
|use a tool
|tool kit
Synonyms
implement (Slightly more formal; often used for tools in specific trades or crafts.)
Antonyms
bare hands (Refers to doing something without any tool or instrument.)
Themes
daily life
|work
|technology
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A thing you hold and use to do a job or task.
A device, usually held in the hand, that is used to carry out a specific function or task.
NOUN
B1
2
Usage pattern:
[software/tool] to [do something]
This website offers a free tool for editing photos.
Ez a weboldal ingyenes képszerkesztő eszközt kínál.
The search tool helps you find files quickly.
A keresőeszköz segít gyorsan megtalálni a fájlokat.
Developers use many different tools to create apps.
Learner examples
I use an online tool to check my spelling.
Online eszközt használok a helyesírásom ellenőrzésére.
This tool makes the work easy.
Ez az eszköz megkönnyíti a munkát.
The tool helps me find pictures.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'tool' with 'app'; 'tool' can be part of an app, not always the whole app.
Meaning
Software for doing a task
Collocations
online tool
|digital tool
|search tool
|software tool
Synonyms
application (Often refers to complete programs; 'tool' may suggest a smaller or specialized function.)
Antonyms
manual process (Doing the task without the help of software.)
Themes
technology
|computing
|work
Definition
A program or part of a program that helps you do something on a computer.
A piece of software or a feature within a program that helps accomplish a specific task.
NOUN
B2
INFORMAL
3
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a tool of [someone else]
He didn't realize he was just a tool in their scheme.
Nem vette észre, hogy csak báb a játszmájukban.
The dictator used the media as a political tool.
A diktátor politikai eszközként használta a médiát.
She felt like a tool after finding out they only befriended her for access to her contacts.
Learner examples
He is just a tool for them.
Ő csak eszköz a kezükben.
They use him as a tool in their plan.
Eszközként használják fel a tervükhöz.
She was a tool in the game.
Common mistake:
Learners may misunderstand and think it means 'a helpful person' rather than 'someone being used'.
Meaning
Person exploited by others
Collocations
political tool
Synonyms
pawn (Suggests someone being used in a larger plan, often in politics or strategy.)
Antonyms
independent thinker (Someone who acts on their own and is not controlled by others.)
Themes
relationships
|society
Definition
A person who someone else controls or uses for their own plans.
A person who is manipulated or used by another person, often without being aware of it.
NOUN
B2
SLANG
4
Don't be such a tool!
Ne légy már ekkora seggfej!
I can't believe she dated that tool for so long.
El sem hiszem, hogy ilyen sokáig járt azzal a seggfejjel.
He's acting like a total tool tonight.
Learner examples
He is a real tool.
Ő egy igazi seggfej.
Don't be a tool.
Ne légy seggfej.
That man is a tool.
Common mistake:
Learners might confuse this slang meaning with the literal object meaning, which could cause misunderstandings in informal conversation.
Meaning
Insult for an annoying man
Synonyms
jerk (General insult for an unpleasant man; 'tool' is slangy and more derogatory in tone.)
Antonyms
gentleman (Polite and respectful man.)
Themes
relationships
|insults
|communication
Definition
An insulting word for a man who acts badly or foolishly.
Slang term for an unpleasant, foolish, or arrogant man.
Grammar
Dictionary form
tool
IPA
GB/tˈul/
US/tˈul/
Syllables & stress
tool (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (tool)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: tool
- Plural: tools
Word family
Expressions
as useful as a chocolate teapot
1/ˈæz jˈusfəl ˈæz ə t͡ʃˈɔklɪt tˈipˌɑt/
idiom
informal
Completely useless
Not useful at all for what it should do.
Examples
- Without the right training, that expensive software is as useful as a chocolate teapot.
- This map is as useful as a chocolate teapot in the dark.
multi-tool
1/mˈʌlti tˈul/
fixed phrase
Device with many functions
A small device that has several tools in one.
Examples
- He always carries a multi-tool when hiking.
- This multi-tool includes scissors, pliers, and a knife.
put someone's tools down
1/pˈʊt sˈʌmwˌʌnz tˈulz dˈaʊn/
fixed phrase
Stop working with tools/equipment
To stop using tools, usually because work has ended or been stopped on purpose.
Examples
- The workers put their tools down at noon to join the protest.
- It's time to put your tools down and take a break.
tools of the trade
1/tˈulz əv ðə tɹˈeɪd/
idiom
Equipment/skills needed for work
The things you need to do your job well.
Examples
- A camera and tripod are the tools of the trade for a photographer.
- Good communication skills are tools of the trade in sales.