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0 English - Monolingual Dictionary

Block

blɑk
Very common
~ 2900
~ 2900, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
to obstruct or impede movement or progress, a solid piece of hard material, such as wood or concrete, a section or division of a city or town, to stop or prevent something from happening, a set of data or information treated as a single unit by a computer

Block - Meanings

to obstruct or impede movement or progress

Example: Traffic was blocked due to the accident.
Usage: formalContext: traffic situations, construction sites
Note: Commonly used in formal and professional contexts to indicate a physical obstruction.

a solid piece of hard material, such as wood or concrete

Example: He built a wall using concrete blocks.
Usage: formalContext: construction, architecture
Note: This meaning refers to a physical object used in construction or as a building material.

a section or division of a city or town

Example: She lives in the residential block of the city.
Usage: formalContext: urban planning, real estate
Note: Used to refer to specific areas within a city or town, often for administrative or planning purposes.

to stop or prevent something from happening

Example: She blocked his attempt to leave.
Usage: informalContext: personal relationships, conflicts
Note: Can also refer to emotional or interpersonal barriers.

a set of data or information treated as a single unit by a computer

Example: The program reads data in blocks of 512 bytes.
Usage: formalContext: computing, technology
Note: In computing, a block is a fundamental unit of data storage and processing.

Block's synonyms

obstruct

To obstruct means to block or hinder passage, progress, or action.
Example: Construction works are obstructing the road.
Note: Obstruct implies actively impeding or creating a barrier to movement or progress.

bar

To bar means to block or prohibit entry or passage.
Example: The gate was barred shut to prevent entry.
Note: Bar suggests a physical or legal obstruction preventing access.

hinder

To hinder means to create difficulties or obstacles that delay or prevent something.
Example: The bad weather hindered our plans to go hiking.
Note: Hinder focuses more on creating difficulties or obstacles rather than a physical blockage.

impede

To impede means to delay or block progress by creating obstacles or difficulties.
Example: The fallen tree impeded the path through the forest.
Note: Impede emphasizes creating obstacles that slow down or prevent progress.

clog

To clog means to block or obstruct a passage or opening.
Example: The drain was clogged with leaves and debris.
Note: Clog specifically refers to blocking a passage by filling it with something.

Block expressions, common phrases

Block out

To prevent something from being heard or seen by creating a barrier.
Example: She tried to block out the noise by wearing earplugs.
Note: The original word 'block' refers to obstruction, while 'block out' specifically means to exclude or hide something.

Writer's block

A condition in which a writer is unable to produce new work or experiences a creative slowdown.
Example: The author experienced writer's block and couldn't write for weeks.
Note: While 'block' refers to obstruction, 'writer's block' is a specific term related to creative struggles.

Block off

To close or prevent access to a particular area by placing a barrier.
Example: The road was blocked off due to the parade.
Note: Similar to 'block', 'block off' focuses on restricting access to an area.

Block party

A social event held outdoors in a residential area where neighbors come together to socialize.
Example: We're having a block party this weekend to celebrate the neighborhood's anniversary.
Note: This phrase uses 'block' in a different context, referring to a neighborhood or street section.

Blockbuster

Something, especially a movie or book, that is very successful and makes a lot of money.
Example: The new movie turned out to be a blockbuster, earning millions at the box office.
Note: In this context, 'blockbuster' refers to a successful, high-earning production, not just a physical obstruction.

Block and tackle

A system of pulleys and ropes used to lift or move heavy objects.
Example: The sailors used a block and tackle system to hoist the heavy cargo onto the ship.
Note: This phrase combines 'block' with 'tackle' to describe a mechanical system, different from the general meaning of 'block'.

Building block

A fundamental component or element that is essential for building or understanding something.
Example: Learning the alphabet is a crucial building block for developing reading skills.
Note: Here, 'block' is used metaphorically to represent a foundational element, distinct from its literal obstruction meaning.

Block everyday (slang) expressions

Blockhead

A blockhead is a person who is stupid or slow-witted.
Example: Don't be such a blockhead, I clearly told you what to do.
Note: This term directly refers to someone's intelligence or lack thereof, whereas 'block' is just a physical or metaphorical obstruction.

Blocker

A blocker is someone who obstructs or prevents someone else from moving forward, typically used in sports.
Example: The defender acted as a good blocker during the game.
Note: In sports, a blocker obstructs opponents, different from the general concept of 'block' as an obstacle.

Block

To experience a mental block, especially in terms of creativity or problem-solving.
Example: Sorry, I can't go out tonight, I'm on a writer's block with my project.
Note: While 'block' is related to obstacles, 'writer's block' specifically refers to a creative barrier.

Block - Examples

The road was blocked by fallen trees.
I can't concentrate, something is blocking my thoughts.
The company blocked access to certain websites on their computers.

Block grammar

Block - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: block
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): blocks
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): block
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): blocked
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): blocking
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): blocks
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): block
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): block
Syllabification and Stress
block Contains 1 syllables: block
Phonetic transcription: ˈbläk
block , ˈbläk (The red syllable is stressed)

Block - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
block: ~ 2900 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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