Rut Meaning and Definition
Rut
Pronunciation
/rʌt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A track or furrow made by the passage of animals, vehicles, or other heavy objects, often worn into a depression in the ground or on a surface; a channel or groove carved out by erosion or wear.
Examples
- The farmer plowed his fields, creating a rut that would be difficult to fill.
- The tires left a rut on the road after driving through the mud.
Synonyms
- Groove
- Track
- Furrow
Antonyms
- Surface
- Smoothness
Etymology
The word “Rut” comes from the Old English word “rōt” meaning “track” or “furrow”, which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*rōtiz” and ultimately the Proto-Indo-European root “*rew-“, meaning “to run” or “to flow”.
Usage Notes
Rut is often used to describe a track or furrow made by the passage of animals, vehicles, or other heavy objects, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe a path or route taken by someone or something.
Cultural References
Rut is referenced in various forms of media, including literature, music, and film. For example, in the novel “The Power” by Naomi Alderman, the protagonist is described as having “a rut in the road” that she follows to her destination.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Rut is often used in idiomatic expressions such as “get out of your rut” or “in a rut”, meaning to break out of a routine or habit and try something new.
Related Words or Phrases
- Track
- Furrow
- Groove
Collocations
- Rut in the road
- Rut in the ground
- Rut in the desert
Frequency of Use
Rut is a moderately frequently used word in modern language, often appearing in contexts related to travel, agriculture, or environmental science.
Common Misspellings
- Grebera
- Gerbera
- Runs