Dictionary monolingual
English
Catch
kætʃ
Extremely common
700 - 800
700 - 800
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Catch -
To capture or seize something in motion or in a specific position
Example: He caught the ball before it hit the ground.
Usage: informalContext: everyday conversations, sports
Note: Commonly used in casual settings and sports-related contexts.
To intercept or grab something that is moving towards you
Example: I caught the keys that were tossed to me.
Usage: informalContext: casual situations, daily activities
Note: Used in informal situations to describe quick actions.
To notice or comprehend something, to grasp or understand
Example: I didn't catch what you said. Could you repeat it?
Usage: informalContext: conversations, learning situations
Note: Commonly used to indicate understanding or lack thereof in a conversation.
To be in time to board a vehicle or to seize an opportunity
Example: I ran to catch the bus, but it had already left.
Usage: informalContext: transportation, time-sensitive situations
Note: Used in informal situations to describe trying to reach or get something in time.
To attract someone's attention or interest
Example: The movie caught my attention with its unique storyline.
Usage: formalContext: entertainment, marketing
Note: Commonly used in formal or professional contexts related to marketing or entertainment.
Catch's synonyms
Capture
To capture means to catch something or someone, typically by taking a picture or recording it.
Example: The photographer managed to capture the perfect sunset.
Note: Capture often implies a more deliberate or planned action compared to catch.
Seize
To seize means to take hold of something quickly and forcefully.
Example: The police were able to seize the stolen goods before they were sold.
Note: Seize implies a sudden, forceful action compared to catch.
Snag
To snag means to catch or obtain something quickly or unexpectedly.
Example: I managed to snag the last ticket to the concert.
Note: Snag often implies getting something that is in high demand or limited.
Nab
To nab means to catch or apprehend someone, especially a criminal.
Example: The police were able to nab the thief before he could escape.
Note: Nab is commonly used in the context of catching someone who is trying to escape or commit a crime.
Catch expressions, common phrases
Catch up
To reach the same level or standard as others after falling behind.
Example: I need to catch up on my emails after being on vacation.
Note: The original word 'catch' refers to physically grabbing something, while 'catch up' refers to getting up to date or reaching the same level as others.
Catch on
To understand or become popular.
Example: The new trend seems to be catching on among young people.
Note: While 'catch' simply means to grab or capture something, 'catch on' refers to understanding or becoming popular.
Catch a break
To get a moment of good luck or relief from a difficult situation.
Example: I've been working hard all week and could really use to catch a break.
Note: The original word 'catch' involves grabbing or capturing something, while 'catch a break' refers to experiencing a moment of relief or good luck.
Catch your breath
To pause to rest and control your breathing after physical exertion.
Example: After running up the stairs, she had to stop to catch her breath.
Note: While 'catch' can mean to grab or capture something, 'catch your breath' refers to taking a moment to rest and control breathing.
Catch someone's eye
To attract someone's attention or be noticed by someone.
Example: The bright colors of the painting caught my eye as I walked by.
Note: The original word 'catch' involves grabbing or capturing something, while 'catch someone's eye' means to attract someone's attention.
Catch a cold
To become infected with a virus that causes a cold.
Example: She caught a cold after being out in the rain without an umbrella.
Note: The original word 'catch' means to grab or capture something, while 'catch a cold' refers to becoming infected with a virus.
Catch-22
A situation in which a desired outcome is impossible to achieve because of a set of inherently contradictory rules or conditions.
Example: It's a catch-22 situation - I can't get a job without experience, but I can't gain experience without a job.
Note: The phrase 'catch-22' is a specific idiom that refers to a paradoxical situation, not directly related to the physical action of catching something.
Catch everyday (slang) expressions
Catch a glimpse
To see or notice something briefly or momentarily.
Example: I caught a glimpse of the sunset before it disappeared behind the mountains.
Note: The original word 'catch' typically means to seize or capture, while 'catch a glimpse' refers to briefly seeing something.
Catch some Z's
To get some sleep or take a nap.
Example: I need to catch some Z's before the big presentation tomorrow.
Note: The slang term 'Z's' refers to sleep, while 'catch' here means to get or acquire.
Catch some rays
To soak up the sun or get some sun exposure.
Example: Let's head to the beach and catch some rays this weekend.
Note: The slang term 'rays' refers to sunlight, while 'catch' here means to obtain or receive.
Catch some air
To become airborne, especially while performing a stunt or jump.
Example: The skateboarder caught some air with that impressive jump.
Note: In this context, 'catch' means to experience or achieve, while 'air' refers to the space above the ground.
Catch red-handed
To apprehend someone in the act of committing a crime or doing something wrong.
Example: The police caught the thief red-handed with the stolen goods.
Note: The slang term 'red-handed' emphasizes being caught in the act, while 'catch' here means to capture or seize.
Catch you later
A casual way to say goodbye with the intention of meeting or speaking again in the future.
Example: I need to go now. Catch you later!
Note: The slang term 'catch you later' is a friendly colloquial expression for goodbye, while 'catch' means to intercept or seize.
Catch a vibe
To sense or feel a particular atmosphere or mood.
Example: I'm really catching a vibe from this music; it's so relaxing.
Note: The slang term 'vibe' refers to the energy or feeling of a situation, while 'catch' here means to perceive or pick up on.
Catch - Examples
I was trying to catch the ball, but it flew right past me.
Can you catch me if I jump into the pool?
Does it catch the reader's attention?
We can watch the sunrise if we catch the early train.
The company's latest product didn't quite catch on with consumers.
Some fancy intern catch your eye?
Catch grammar
Catch - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: catch
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): catches
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): catch
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): caught
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): caught
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): catching
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): catches
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): catch
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): catch
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Catch Contains 1 syllables: catch
Phonetic transcription: ˈkach
catch , ˈkach (The red syllable is stressed)
Catch - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Catch: 700 - 800 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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