Tide
Definition
Tide is the alternate rising and falling of the sea, usually twice in each lunar day at a particular place, due to the attraction of the moon and sun.
Parts of Speech
Pronunciation
American English
- IPA Pronunciation: /taɪd/
- Respelling: TYDE (with "TYDE" rhyming with "side" and "wide")
British English
- IPA Pronunciation: /taɪd/
- Respelling: TYDE (similar to American English, with "TYDE" rhyming with "side" and "wide")
In both dialects, "tide" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, as in "side" or "wide," followed by a "d" sound. The pronunciation of "tide" is essentially the same in both American and British English.
Etymology
The word "tide" comes from the Old English "tīd," which means "time, period, era." Its usage for the "rise and fall of the sea" is from the Old English "getīd," meaning "a specific time" or "tide."
Derivatives
- Tidal
- Tidepool
- Tidemark
- Tide over
- Tideway
Synonyms
- Current
- Ebb and flow
- Fluctuation
Antonyms
- Stagnation
- Stillness
- Standstill
Usage
- "Tide" can refer to the specific phenomena in oceans and large bodies of water.
- It also can be metaphorically used to describe a surge or movement in other contexts, like "a tide of emotions."
Related Terms
- Ocean
- Lunar
- Gravitational pull
- Ebb
- Flow
Detailed Definition
Noun
- Sea Movement: The periodic rise and fall of the sea's water level due to gravitational attractions from the moon and sun.
- Example: The tide is high, so it's not the best time to walk on the beach.
- Current: A powerful current or flow of water or another liquid.
- Example: They were swept away by the strong tide.
- General Tendency: A prevailing movement or inclination.
- Example: The tide of public opinion seems to favor the new policy.
Verb
- Float with the tide: To drift or move with the tide or current.
- Example: The boat started to tide towards the shore.
- To tide over: To support or enable to survive temporarily.
- Example: She took a part-time job to tide her over until she found something permanent.