cushion
/'kuʃn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A soft bag filled with air or padding: A soft object used to make a seat, chair, or surface more comfortable, or to kneel on.
- A protective layer of air or gas: The layer of air that supports a vehicle like a hovercraft.
- A mechanical damper: A device that absorbs and reduces the force of sudden movements or shocks, such as in a vehicle's suspension.
- A resilient border: The padded rim of a billiard table.
Verb:
- To protect from impact: To soften or lessen the effect of a blow, shock, or bad news.
- To provide with a cushion: To fit or furnish with a soft pad for comfort or protection.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- She placed a soft cushion on the wooden chair.
- The hovercraft rides on a cushion of air.
- The car's cushions (shock absorbers) needed replacing.
Verb:
- He tried to cushion the bad news with some positive feedback.
- The thick carpet cushioned her fall.
Advanced Usage
- "to cushion the blow": To make a difficult situation, piece of news, or impact less severe.
- The company offered severance pay to cushion the blow of the layoffs.
Variants and Related Words
- Cushiony (adj): Soft and comfortable like a cushion.
- The sofa had a cushiony feel.
- Cushioning (n): Material that provides a soft, protective layer.
- The shoes have extra cushioning in the heel.
Synonyms
- Noun: Pillow, pad, buffer, shock absorber.
- Verb: Soften, dampen, buffer, mitigate, absorb.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its meaning is typically expressed directly.)
Related Idioms
- "A cushion of cash/savings": A reserve of money for emergencies or unexpected needs.
- It's wise to have a cushion of savings for unexpected expenses.
Noun
- a soft bag filled with air or a mass of padding such as feathers or foam rubber etc.
- the layer of air that supports a hovercraft or similar vehicle
- a mechanical damper; absorbs energy of sudden impulses
- the old car needed a new set of shocks
Verb
- protect from impact
- cushion the blow