Oxford Language Club

Welcome to our Word of the Day series! Today's spotlight is on the versatile term "to kill." This commonplace verb carries a diverse range of meanings, making it a fascinating addition to your English vocabulary.

Literal Meaning:

"To kill" primarily denotes causing the death of a living being. In a sentence:

The hunter aimed carefully and managed to kill the elusive prey.
Unfortunately, the accident on the highway could have resulted in multiple casualties, but no one was killed.

Figurative or Metaphorical Use:

Beyond its literal sense, "to kill" takes on metaphorical meanings. For instance:

"To kill time": Instead of waiting idly, she decided to read a book to kill time at the airport.
"To kill with kindness": Jenny chose to kill her critics with kindness, responding to negativity with a smile.

Modern Slang (Exceptional Performance or Success):

In contemporary slang, "to kill" has evolved to signify exceptional performance or success. Examples include:

After hours of practice, the musician absolutely killed it on stage during the concert.
The new product launch was a massive success; it really killed the competition.

By exploring the nuanced meanings of "to kill," you not only enhance your language skills but also gain insights into the richness and adaptability of the English language. Stay tuned for more intriguing words to broaden your vocabulary!

January, 2024

Posted by Oxford Language Club

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