current
gb/kˈɚənt/ us/kˈɚənt/
A2
English
~ 800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Happening or existing at the present time
Happening or being now, not in the past or future.
Usage pattern:
[current] [event/situation/trend]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'current' with 'present' in formal writing; both are correct, but 'current' is often used for situations or trends, while 'present' can also be used for people or physical presence.
Synonyms
present (Neutral synonym; directly refers to something existing now.)
Antonyms
past (Refers to something that has already happened, opposite of current in time.)
Collocations
current events
|current situation
|current trend
|current issue
Themes
daily life
|news
|time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The current president is very popular.
- Our current project will finish next month.
- She is happy with her current job.
- Current trends show more people working from home.
Learner examples
- I like my current teacher.
- This is my current phone.
- He is my current boss.
- The current weather is sunny.
Noun
B1
event
2
Flow of water in a direction
Water moving in one direction in the sea or a river.
Usage pattern:
a [strong/weak] current
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse 'current' (noun) with 'tide'. Tides are changes in sea level caused by the moon and sun, while currents are flows of water.
Synonyms
stream (Often smaller-scale flow; can also be used figuratively.)
Antonyms
still water (Water without noticeable movement; opposite of a current.)
Collocations
strong current
|ocean current
|river current
Themes
nature
|science
Examples
- The boat was carried away by the strong current.
- Ocean currents affect the climate.
- Be careful when swimming here; the current is dangerous.
Learner examples
- The river current is fast.
- The boat moves with the current.
- The current is strong today.
Noun
B2
event
3
Flow of electricity through a conductor
Electricity moving through a wire or circuit.
Usage pattern:
an [electric] current
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'current' with 'voltage'. Voltage is the force that pushes the electric charge, while current is the flow itself.
Synonyms
electricity flow (Informal description of the same phenomenon.)
Antonyms
open circuit (A break in the circuit stops electric current.)
Collocations
electric current
|direct current
|alternating current
Themes
science
|technology
Examples
- The device uses a small electric current.
- Direct current flows in one direction only.
- Alternating current changes direction periodically.
Learner examples
- The lamp needs an electric current.
- Current flows in the wire.
- This battery makes a small current.
Grammar
Dictionary form
current
IPA
GB/kˈɚənt/
US/kˈɚənt/
Syllables & stress
cur - rent (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cur)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: current
Noun
- Base: current
- Plural: current, currents
Word family
Expressions
current affairs
1/kˈɚənt əfˈɛɹz/
fixed phrase
Events and issues happening now
News and important events that are happening now.
Examples
- She reads the newspaper to keep up with current affairs.
- The TV show focuses on current affairs and politics.
flow with the current
1/flˈoʊ wˈɪθ ðə kˈɚənt/
idiom
Follow prevailing trends or opinions
To do what most other people are doing, without trying to be different.
Examples
- She prefers to flow with the current rather than stand out.
- Many companies just flow with the current when it comes to marketing trends.
go against the current
1/ɡˈoʊ əɡˈɛnst ðə kˈɚənt/
idiom
Act against prevailing trends or opinions
To do something differently from most people or from what is popular.
Examples
- He often goes against the current in his art style.
- Starting that business was going against the current at the time.