Ground

/ɡraʊnd/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The solid surface of the earth.
The children played on the ground, rolling in the grass.
An area of land, especially one used for a particular purpose.
The park is a beautiful ground for family picnics.
A basis or reason for something.
He was dismissed from his job on the ground of poor performance.
Grounds or reasons for a legal action.
The lawyer cited insufficient evidence as the ground for dismissal of the case.
verb
To prohibit someone from flying or using a vehicle as a safety measure.
The airline decided to ground all flights due to the severe weather conditions.
To establish a connection to the earth, especially in electrical contexts.
Make sure to ground the electrical equipment to prevent any shocks.
To base or justify an argument or decision.
Her decisions were well grounded in extensive research.
adjective
Having a solid basis in reality or fact.
He provided a grounded perspective on the economic situation.

Etymology

Old English 'grund' meaning 'floor, foundation, bottom', originally from Proto-Germanic.

Common Phrases and Expressions

break new ground
To do something innovative or pioneer in a field.
on solid ground
In a secure and stable position.
get one's feet on the ground
To stabilize one's situation or self.
ground zero
The site of a disaster or the starting point of an event.
ground rules
Basic rules of conduct or a framework.

Related Words

grounded
Emotionally stable or rational.
background
The area or scenery behind the main object of contemplation.
underground
Located beneath the surface of the ground.
groundwork
The basic preparation or groundwork for any activity.
grounding
The process of establishing a connection to the earth for safety.

Slang Meanings

To be detained at home as a punishment.
I can't go out tonight; I'm grounded for my grades.
To be in a bad place emotionally or mentally.
I've been feeling really grounded lately and need a break.