Pond Meaning and Definition
Pond
Pronunciation
/pɒnd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A small body of still water, typically fresh or brackish, especially one surrounded by land.
Examples
- The family went for a picnic by the pond.
- The pond was home to a variety of aquatic plants and animals.
Synonyms
- Lake
- Pool
Antonyms
- River
- Ocean
Etymology
The word “Pond” comes from Old French “pont”, meaning “deep pool of water”, which is derived from Latin “pondus”, meaning “weight” or “depth”. The term has been used in English since the 13th century to describe small bodies of water.
Usage Notes
The word “Pond” is often used to describe small bodies of freshwater or brackish water, but it can also refer to artificial containers of water, such as decorative ponds in gardens or private pools. In a broader sense, the term can be applied to any collection of still water.
Cultural References
In literature and art, ponds have been depicted as symbols of peace, tranquility, and natural beauty. Examples include the famous poem “The Pond” by Walt Whitman and the watercolors of Claude Monet, featuring ponds and water lilies.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The phrase “at the bottom of the pond” is an idiomatic expression used to describe a secret or a mystery that has not been revealed.
Related Words or Phrases
Related words or phrases include “lake”, “pool”, “brook”, and “stream”, which all refer to bodies of water. In contrast, “ocean”, “sea”, and “river” describe larger or flowing bodies of water.
Collocations
Common collocations with the word “Pond” include “pond water”, “pond life”, and “pondweed”.
Frequency of Use
The word “Pond” is not as frequently used as some other words in the English language, but it remains an important and common term in various contexts, including nature, gardening, and literature.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word “Pond” include “ponds” (with an additional “s”), “ponded” (with a “-ed” suffix), and “poned” (with a different vowel sound).