Thames
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun 1. A major river in England: The Thames is the longest river located entirely within England. It flows in an easterly direction, passing through the capital city, London, before emptying into the North Sea.
Usage
- The word "Thames" is a proper noun and is always capitalized.
- It is most commonly used with the definite article "the" (e.g., Thames).
- It functions as a geographical name for the river itself and is used to describe locations, activities, or things associated with it.
Examples
- As a geographical feature:
- The River Thames is a defining feature of London's landscape.
- Many historic buildings are located along the banks of the Thames.
- Describing location or activity:
- We took a boat tour on the Thames.
- The annual Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race is held on the Thames.
Advanced Usage
- "North of the Thames" / "South of the Thames": Common phrases used to describe areas of London relative to the river, which runs through the city's center.
- His office is located south of the Thames.
- "The Thames Estuary": Refers to the wide tidal mouth of the river where it meets the North Sea.
- The Thames Estuary is an important shipping route.
Variants and Related Words
- Thamesian (adj., rare): An extremely uncommon adjective meaning "of or relating to the River Thames."
- River Thames: The full, formal name of the river.
Synonyms
- The River (informal, context-specific): In the context of London, "the River" (capitalized) is often understood to mean the Thames.
- Let's go for a walk by the River.
Idioms and Phrases
- "Set the Thames on fire" (idiom, chiefly British): To do something astonishing or remarkable. It is almost always used in the negative to suggest someone is not particularly exceptional.
- He's a competent worker, but he's not going to set the Thames on fire.
Noun
- the longest river in England; flows eastward through London to the North Sea