define
gb/dɪfˈaɪn/ us/dɪfˈaɪn/
A2
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
Verb
A2
action
1
to speak or call out loudly
To say words in a very loud voice.
Usage pattern:
to shout [something] [at/to someone]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'shout at' (directing anger) with 'shout to' (to be heard); using the wrong preposition can change meaning.
Synonyms
yell (Slightly more informal; often used for sudden loud calls.)
|
cry out (More emotional or urgent in tone; can be formal or literary.)
Antonyms
whisper (Opposite in volume; speaking very quietly.)
Collocations
shout for help
|shout at someone
|shout loudly
|shout instructions
|shout in anger
Themes
communication
|emotions
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She had to shout to be heard over the music.
- He shouted at the driver to stop.
- They shouted for help when they saw the fire.
- The coach shouted instructions from the sidelines.
- I shouted her name across the park.
Learner examples
- I shouted for my friend.
- He shouted at the dog.
- We shouted when we saw the car.
- She shouted to her mother.
- They shouted because it was noisy.
Noun
A2
event
2
a loud cry or call
A loud sound made by a person using their voice.
Synonyms
cry (Can refer to both loud calls and tears; less specific.)
|
yell (Informal and often sudden or sharp in tone.)
Antonyms
whisper (Speaking softly so only nearby people can hear.)
Collocations
a loud shout
|give a shout
|shout of joy
|shout for help
Themes
communication
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- We heard a shout from the next room.
- He gave a shout of warning before the tree fell.
- A shout rang out across the field.
- The children let out a happy shout when they saw the ice cream truck.
Learner examples
- I heard a shout outside.
- She gave a shout for help.
- He made a loud shout.
- We heard a shout from the park.
Verb
informal
B2
action
3
to pay for someone else's purchase
To pay for something for another person as a gift or treat.
Usage pattern:
to shout [someone] [something]
Common mistake:
Learners from outside Australia/NZ/UK may not know this meaning and confuse it with speaking loudly.
Synonyms
treat (Neutral term; not region-specific; can apply to any gift.)
Antonyms
split the bill (To share costs equally rather than one person paying for all.)
Collocations
shout someone a drink
|shout lunch
|shout the first round
Themes
social life
|money
|food_drink
|daily_life
Examples
- I'll shout you a coffee after work.
- He shouted the whole table dinner for his birthday.
- It's my turn to shout the next round of drinks.
Learner examples
- I will shout you lunch today.
- She shouted us coffee yesterday.
- He shouted drinks for everyone.
Grammar
Dictionary form
define
IPA
GB/dɪfˈaɪn/
US/dɪfˈaɪn/
Syllables & stress
define (1 syllable)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: define
- 3rd Person Singular: defines
- Present Participle: defining
- Past: defined
Word family
Forms
defines
verb
defining
verb
defined
verb
Core family
Related words
redefine
verb B2
definitive
adjective C1
Negative and opposite forms
Advanced or less common
definable
adjective
definitively
adverb
redefinition
noun
Expressions
give a shout
1/ɡˈɪv ə ʃˈaʊt/
fixed phrase
informal
to contact or inform someone
To tell someone something or let them know when something happens.
Examples
- Give me a shout when you're ready to leave.
- If you need help, just give us a shout.
shout at
1/ʃˈaʊt ˈæt/
phrasal verb
to speak loudly and angrily to someone
To say words in a loud and angry way to someone.
Examples
- The teacher shouted at the students for being late.
- Don't shout at me—I'm trying to help.
shout down
1/ʃˈaʊt dˈaʊn/
phrasal verb
to silence by shouting louder
To stop someone from speaking by making loud noises or shouting over them.
Examples
- The protesters shouted down the politician during his speech.
- She was shouted down before she could finish her point.
shout for help
1/ʃˈaʊt fɚ hˈɛlp/
fixed phrase
to call loudly for assistance
To say words in a loud voice so that people can hear you and help you.
Examples
- He shouted for help when he saw smoke coming from the building.
- If you get into trouble, shout for help immediately.
shout out
1/ʃˈaʊt ˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
informal
Publicly thank or mention someone
To say something in public to thank or praise someone.
Examples
- I'd like to give a big shout out to our volunteers.
- The singer gave a shout out to her fans during the concert.
shout out
2/ʃˈaʊt ˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
informal
to publicly thank or recognize someone
To say thanks or give praise to someone in public.
Examples
- I'd like to shout out my parents for their support.
- He gave a big shout out to his teammates.