Mountain Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈmaʊntɪn/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A mountain is a natural elevation of the earth’s surface rising more than 300 meters above the surrounding terrain, typically formed by tectonic forces or erosion.

Examples

1. “The mountain climbers began their ascent at dawn, tackling the steep slope with caution.”

2. “The mountain range stretched across the horizon, its peaks shrouded in mist.”

Synonyms

1. Hill

2. Peaks

Antonyms

1. Valley

2. Plains

Etymology

The word ‘mountain’ originates from the Old French ‘montaigne’, derived from the Latin ‘montanus’, meaning ‘of or pertaining to a mountain’. The term has been in use since the 13th century, with various connotations and regional dialects developing over time.

Usage Notes

When using the word ‘mountain’, it’s essential to consider the context and cultural nuances. For instance, in some regions, a ‘mountain’ may refer to a smaller hill or rocky outcrop, while in others, it denotes a significant, isolated peak.

Cultural References

The word ‘mountain’ has appeared in various forms of literature, art, and popular culture, such as:

The iconic image of Mount Fuji in Japanese art and literature
The famous poem “Mount Hope” by George Meredith
The movie “The Mountain Between Us” (2017)

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some common idiomatic expressions featuring the word ‘mountain’ include:

Mountain out of a molehill (an exaggeration or unnecessary complexity)
Mountain to climb (a significant challenge or obstacle)
Reach the mountain top (achieve a high level of success or accomplishment)

Collocations

Common collocations with ‘mountain’ include:

Mountain climbing
Mountain biking
Mountain range
Mountain resort

Frequency of Use

According to various linguistic sources, ‘mountain’ is a relatively common word in English, with an average frequency of approximately 0.3% in spoken and written language.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings and variations of ‘mountain’ include:

Moutain
Muntian
Muntin