ground floor
/'graund'flɔ:/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The floor of a building that is at or nearest to the level of the ground around the building: This is the architectural meaning, referring to the lowest floor of a building, typically at street level.
- Becoming part of a venture at the beginning (regarded as a position of advantage): This is a figurative meaning, referring to the opportunity to be involved in a new project, business, or opportunity from its very start, often implying a chance for greater benefit.
Usage Examples
- Noun (Architectural):
- The restaurant is located on the ground floor.
- Our apartment has a ground floor entrance.
- Noun (Figurative, Business/Opportunity):
- She invested early and got in on the ground floor of the tech startup.
- By joining the company now, you'll be on the ground floor of an exciting new project.
Advanced Usage
- "to be in on the ground floor": To be involved in something from its very beginning.
- He was in on the ground floor of the renewable energy movement.
- "to get in on the ground floor": To secure a position or opportunity at the start of a venture.
- Investors wanted to get in on the ground floor of the new fund.
Variants and Related Words
- First floor: In American English, this is typically synonymous with "ground floor." In British English, the "first floor" is usually the floor above the ground floor.
- Ground-level: (adjective) Located at the same level as the ground.
- The store has ground-level access.
Synonyms
- Street level: (for the architectural meaning) The floor at the same height as the street.
- Entry level: (for the figurative meaning, though less specific) A starting point.
- Foundation: (figurative) The base or beginning of something.
Related Phrases
- From the ground up: Starting from the very beginning or with the basics.
- They built the business from the ground up.
- Ground floor opportunity: A specific chance to join something at its inception.
- This internship offers a real ground floor opportunity in the industry.
Related Idioms
- Get in on the ground floor: This is the primary idiom, meaning to become involved in a promising enterprise at an early stage.
- If you buy stock now, you'll be getting in on the ground floor.
Noun
- becoming part of a venture at the beginning (regarded as position of advantage)
- he got in on the ground floor
- the floor of a building that is at or nearest to the level of the ground around the building