box

/bɔks/

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The word "box" can be understood in several ways, and it has different meanings depending on the context. Here’s a simple explanation for new English learners:

Definition:

1. Noun:

   • A box is usually a rectangular container, often with a lid, used to hold or store items. For example, "Please put the toys in the box."
   • It can also refer to a designated area, like in a theater or a sports field. For example, "We sat in the royal box at the concert."
   • In sports, a box may refer to a specific area where players or officials are located, like the "batter's box" in baseball.
   • It can also mean a physical blow to the ear, as in "I gave him a good box on the ear."
   • A box can refer to a predicament or difficult situation, such as "He got himself into a tight box with his lies."

2. Verb:

   • To box means to engage in a boxing match or to hit someone with your fist. For example, "They like to box every Saturday."
   • It can also mean to put something into a box. For example, "Please box the gift before you give it."

Usage Instructions:

• As a noun: You can use "box" to describe a container, a seating area, or a difficult situation.
• As a verb: Use "box" to talk about engaging in boxing or putting items into a box.

Examples:

• Noun: "I found a box of old photographs in the attic."
• Verb: "She will box up her clothes to donate them."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more complex context, "box" can refer to metaphorical limits or situations. For example: "He felt boxed in by his responsibilities."

Word Variants:

• Boxed (past tense of box)
• Boxer (a person who participates in boxing)

Different Meanings:

• Box office: The place where tickets are sold for a theater or event.
• Boxing: The sport of fighting with gloves.

Synonyms:

• For the noun "box": container, case, crate, package.
• For the verb "box": hit, strike, engage in boxing.

Idioms:

• "Think outside the box": This means to think creatively and not limit oneself to traditional ideas.
• "Box someone in": To limit someone's options or freedom.

Phrasal Verbs:

• "Box up": To pack items into a box.

Academic

Noun

1. a blow with the hand (usually on the ear)
   • I gave him a good box on the ear
2. separate partitioned area in a public place for a few people
   • the sentry stayed in his box to avoid the cold
3. the driver's seat on a coach
   • an armed guard sat in the box with the driver
4. any one of several designated areas on a ball field where the batter or catcher or coaches are positioned
   • the umpire warned the batter to stay in the batter's box
5. evergreen shrubs or small trees
6. a rectangular drawing
   • the flowchart contained many boxes
7. a predicament from which a skillful or graceful escape is impossible
   • his lying got him into a tight corner
8. the quantity contained in a box
   • he gave her a box of chocolates
9. private area in a theater or grandstand where a small group can watch the performance
   • the royal box was empty
10. a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
    • he rummaged through a box of spare parts

Verb

1. engage in a boxing match
2. hit with the fist
   • I'll box your ears!
3. put into a box
   • box the gift, please

Synonyms

• box seat
• boxwood
• corner
• boxful
• loge
• package