Word of the Day: Term
The word “term” is a noun that can be used in a few different ways.
Use “term” to refer to a period of time:
- An American president can serve only two terms in office. Each term lasts four years. d
- The company looks forward to a term of profitability after several years of losses.
- Henry receive bad grades in school last term.
- The winter term begins in January.
- Sandra brought her baby to term. (She kept the baby inside her womb for a full nine months.)
Use “term” to describe a condition or an agreement:
- Are you on good terms with your neighbors? (Do you get along with your neighbors?)
- Joe and Fred are no longer on speaking terms. (They don’t get along and they don’t talk to each other.)
- The terms of the agreement were agreed upon by everyone who signed it.
- What are the terms of use for this website?
- Two groups came to terms and settled their differences.
- Under no uncertain terms will this situation continue. (“Under no uncertain terms” is a popular expression.)
Use “term” when talking about words:
- What does the term “person of interest” mean?
- There were several terms in the reading exercises that the teacher needed to explain to the students.
- I’m unfamiliar with the term “twenty-four seven.” What does it mean?
- The word “honey” is a term of endearment used by a person who loves another person.
Essential English Dictionary
Visit the Popular English Words Beginning with T page to see the list of all words starting with letter T. For seeing the HiCafe dictionary, visit the Popular English Words with Meaning page.
