harbour

/'hɑ:bə/

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Word: Harbour

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Basic Definition:

1. As a noun: A "harbour" is a protected place along a coast where ships can dock safely to load or unload goods. It’s like a safe parking lot for boats. Beyond that, it can also refer to a place of comfort and safety for people.

2. As a verb: To "harbour" something means to keep or hold onto thoughts, feelings, or ideas, especially if they are negative or secretive. For example, if someone is upset with another person but doesn't say anything, they might be "harbouring a grudge."

Usage Instructions:

• Use "harbour" as a noun when talking about a physical location for ships or a metaphorical safe space.
• Use "harbour" as a verb when discussing emotions or thoughts that someone is keeping inside.

Examples:

• Noun: "The fishing boats returned to the harbour as the storm approached."
• Verb: "He is harbouring doubts about his decision to move to a new city."

Advanced Usage:

• In a more advanced context, "harbour" can be used in discussions about emotions and psychology. For example, one might say, "She continues to harbour feelings of resentment towards her former employer."

Word Variants:

• Harbouring: The present participle form; e.g., "They are harbouring suspicions about his motives."
• Harboured: The past tense form; e.g., "He harboured dreams of becoming an artist."

Different Meanings:

• In British English, "harbour" is spelled "harbor" in American English, but the meanings remain the same.
• In a metaphorical sense, "harbour" can refer to holding onto fears or ambitions.

Synonyms:

• For the noun: Port, dock, bay, inlet, refuge, sanctuary.
• For the verb: Hold, maintain, keep, nurture (in terms of feelings), entertain (in terms of ideas).

Idioms:

• "To harbour a secret": To keep a secret that one does not want to share.
• "Harbouring ill will": To keep negative feelings toward someone.

Phrasal Verbs:

While "harbour" does not have common phrasal verbs, it can be used in phrases like: - "Harbour a thought": To keep a thought in mind without expressing it.

Conclusion:

"Harbour" can refer to both a physical place for ships and an emotional state of keeping feelings or thoughts.

Academic

Noun

1. a place of refuge and comfort and security
2. a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo

Verb

1. maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
   • bear a grudge
   • entertain interesting notions
   • harbor a resentment
2. hold back a thought or feeling about
   • She is harboring a grudge against him
3. keep in one's possession; of animals
4. secretly shelter (as of fugitives or criminals)

Synonyms

• harbor
• seaport
• haven
• hold
• entertain
• nurse
• shield