Definition of Put (meaning 1 of 5 — verb)
Quick Meaning of Put
To move something to a specific place or position where it stays.
Detailed Definition of Put
To move or place something into a particular position or location.
How to Pronounce Put
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: One short syllable with /ʊ/ vowel like in 'book' or 'foot', not /juː/ like in 'cute'.
Watch out: Sometimes pronounced /pjuːt/ with long vowel; should be short /pʊt/ like 'book'.
Other Meanings of Put
“Put” has 5 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #1; here are the other 4:
#2 Put as a verb
To say or write something in a particular way using language.
put it into words
#3 Put as a verb
Make someone be in a particular state, like sleeping, danger, or difficulty.
put to sleep
#4 Put as a verb
Invest or use your effort, time, or money to do or achieve something.
put effort into
#5 Put as a verb
Give importance, blame, or a price to something. Say how much you value it.
put a price on
How to Use Put in a Sentence
Each example shows “put” in the meaning “To move something to a specific place or…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“I put the book on the table.”
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“Can you put your shoes in the closet please?”
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“She put the documents carefully into the filing cabinet.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Put
Common Synonyms for Put
Smart Synonyms for Put — When to Use Each
- place
- for more formal or careful positioning of objects
- set
- when putting something down deliberately in a specific
Antonyms of Put
Common Collocations with Put
These phrases pair with “put” in everyday English:
- put something down
- put on clothes
- put away
- put in order
- put together
Common Mistakes When Using Put
Even fluent speakers slip up with “put”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: I puted my coat on the chair.
- ✓ Correct: I put my coat on the chair.
- Why: Put is irregular; past tense is 'put' not 'puted'. No -ed ending.
- ✗ Wrong: She puts her hand into her pocket yesterday.
- ✓ Correct: She put her hand in her pocket yesterday.
- Why: Use past tense 'put' with past time marker 'yesterday', not present tense 'puts'.
Other Forms of Put
- Verb: put
Frequently Asked Questions About Put
What is the meaning of "Put"?
To move something to a specific place or position where it stays.
How do you pronounce "Put"?
The IPA is /pʊt/. One short syllable with /ʊ/ vowel like in 'book' or 'foot', not /juː/ like in 'cute'.
What part of speech is "Put"?
"Put" is a verb at A1 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Put"?
Common synonyms include place, set, position.
How do you use "Put" in a sentence?
For example: "I put the book on the table."