Dictionary monolingual
English
War
wɔr
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
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.
War -
Open armed conflict between countries or groups
Example: The two nations declared war after failed peace negotiations.
Usage: formalContext: international relations, history
Note: This is the most common meaning of 'war' and is often used in a serious or official context.
A state of competition, conflict, or hostility between different things or concepts
Example: There is an ongoing war between tradition and modernity in the community.
Usage: formalContext: societal discussions, academic writing
Note: This metaphorical use of 'war' is common in discussing conflicts that are not physical battles.
A concerted effort or campaign to achieve a specific goal
Example: The company launched a price war to gain market share.
Usage: informalContext: business, marketing
Note: In this sense, 'war' is used to describe intense competition or strategic efforts.
War's synonyms
conflict
Conflict refers to a serious disagreement or argument between groups or countries that can lead to war. It can encompass a range of hostilities beyond just armed combat.
Example: The conflict between the two countries escalated into a full-blown war.
Note: Conflict is a broader term that can include disputes or disagreements that may not necessarily result in full-scale war.
battle
A battle is a specific engagement between armed forces or combatants in a war. It usually refers to a single military encounter.
Example: The soldiers fought bravely in the battle to defend their homeland.
Note: A battle is a more localized and specific event within the context of a larger war.
strife
Strife refers to bitter conflict or struggle, often within a group or community. It can involve social, political, or personal disputes.
Example: The country was torn apart by internal strife as different factions fought for power.
Note: Strife typically implies internal discord or conflict within a group, as opposed to war, which is usually between separate entities.
hostilities
Hostilities refer to acts of aggression, conflict, or warfare between opposing parties. It can encompass a range of aggressive actions short of full-scale war.
Example: The two nations declared a ceasefire after years of hostilities along the border.
Note: Hostilities can include various forms of antagonistic behavior beyond traditional warfare, such as border skirmishes or diplomatic tensions.
War expressions, common phrases
declare war
To officially announce that a country or group is at war with another.
Example: The country decided to declare war on its neighboring nation.
Note: The phrase 'declare war' specifically refers to the formal act of starting a war, whereas 'war' itself is the general term for a state of armed conflict between different nations or groups.
war of words
A conflict or argument characterized by verbal attacks and exchanges.
Example: The debate turned into a war of words between the two politicians.
Note: While 'war' typically refers to physical conflict, a 'war of words' is a metaphorical expression highlighting intense verbal disputes or arguments.
war-torn
Describing a place that has been severely affected by war, with widespread destruction and suffering.
Example: The region had been through years of war-torn devastation.
Note: The term 'war-torn' emphasizes the aftermath and consequences of war, portraying the physical and emotional devastation caused by armed conflicts.
all is fair in love and war
A saying that suggests that in certain situations, any kind of behavior or tactics can be considered acceptable or justifiable.
Example: Some people believe that all is fair in love and war, justifying extreme actions in pursuit of love or victory.
Note: This phrase extends the concept of war to a broader context, implying that similar to the extreme measures taken in war, unconventional or morally ambiguous actions may be deemed acceptable in matters of love and conflict.
war chest
A reserve of funds or resources set aside for use in times of need or emergency, often in preparation for a campaign or battle.
Example: The candidate had amassed a significant war chest for the upcoming election campaign.
Note: The term 'war chest' is a metaphorical reference to the funds accumulated for strategic purposes, distinct from the literal concept of engaging in armed conflict.
war of attrition
A prolonged battle or conflict where each side tries to wear down the other through a series of small-scale actions and persistent efforts.
Example: The prolonged conflict turned into a war of attrition, with neither side willing to give up.
Note: While 'war' signifies a broader state of armed conflict, a 'war of attrition' specifically denotes a strategy of gradual wearing down and erosion of the opponent's strength over time.
war machine
Refers to a nation's military power, equipment, and organization that enable it to conduct warfare effectively.
Example: The country had developed a formidable war machine capable of swift and decisive military action.
Note: The term 'war machine' highlights the mechanized, organized, and strategic aspects of a military force, portraying it as a complex entity designed for combat operations.
War everyday (slang) expressions
showdown
A confrontation or face-off between two parties, often used in a competitive or confrontational context.
Example: The two gang leaders had a showdown in the abandoned warehouse.
Note: The term 'showdown' implies a direct confrontation or clash, which may or may not involve physical conflict, unlike traditional warfare.
brawl
A physical fight or scuffle involving multiple people.
Example: The bar turned into a brawl after two patrons started arguing over the game.
Note: While 'war' generally refers to organized, large-scale conflicts, 'brawl' specifically denotes a smaller, chaotic physical altercation.
face-off
A confrontation or showdown between opposing individuals or groups.
Example: The soccer match had an intense face-off between the rival teams.
Note: The term 'face-off' often implies a more controlled or structured encounter compared to the unpredictable nature of war.
skirmish
A minor or brief fight or clash, typically occurring as part of a larger conflict.
Example: The border patrol forces engaged in a brief skirmish with the intruders.
Note: A 'skirmish' refers to a small-scale battle or clash, contrasting with the larger scope and duration of traditional warfare.
feud
A prolonged and bitter quarrel or dispute between two parties or groups.
Example: The families had been in a feud for generations, constantly fighting over the land.
Note: While wars typically involve organized armed conflicts between nations or factions, a 'feud' is a personal or familial dispute that often escalates over time.
clash
A violent or forceful confrontation between opposing groups or individuals.
Example: The protesters clashed with the police outside the government building.
Note: A 'clash' indicates a sudden, intense conflict or disagreement, which may not necessarily involve a full-scale war with defined boundaries and objectives.
standoff
A situation where neither side in a conflict or dispute is willing to yield or make concessions.
Example: The negotiations reached a standoff as neither side was willing to compromise.
Note: In a 'standoff', there is a deadlock or impasse between the parties involved, unlike a war where active hostilities are ongoing.
War - Examples
War is never a solution to any problem.
The soldiers were engaged in a fierce battle.
The two countries have been in conflict for years.
War grammar
War - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: war
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): wars, war
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): war
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): warred
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): warring
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): wars
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): war
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): war
Syllables, Separation and Stress
war Contains 1 syllables: war
Phonetic transcription: ˈwȯr
war , ˈwȯr (The red syllable is stressed)
War - 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.
war: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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