Definition

Verb (transitive) 1. To enter, to go into: To pass from an outer area to the inner area of a space or to begin to be in a place. * The primary meaning is to physically transition from outside to inside a bounded space or location.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The soldiers prepared to move into the city. (The soldiers got ready to go from outside the city to inside it.)
  • We will move into our new apartment next week. (We will begin to occupy and live in our new apartment.)
  • The cat slowly moved into the warm sunlight. (The cat transitioned its position to be within the patch of sunlight.)

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Entry: Can describe beginning to occupy a new state, condition, or field of activity.
  • The company plans to move into the Asian market next year. (The company plans to begin operating and competing in the Asian market.)
  • After his injury, he moved into a coaching role. (He transitioned from being a player to occupying the position of a coach.)

Variants and Related Words

• Move in (phrasal verb): Often used synonymously, especially regarding beginning to occupy a residence.
  • They signed the lease and moved in on Friday.
• Enter (verb): A direct synonym for the core physical action.
• Invade (verb): To enter by force, often with hostile intent.
• Access (verb): To gain entry to, often implying the right or ability to enter.

Synonyms

• Enter
• Go into
• Come into
• Step into
• Penetrate (forcibly or deeply)

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Move in on: To advance toward someone or something, often with a threatening or competitive intent.
  • The competitor is moving in on our key clients.
• Settle into: To become comfortable in a new place or routine.
  • It took a month to settle into the new job.

Related Idioms

• Move into high gear: To begin operating at maximum speed or efficiency.
  • The project will move into high gear after the funding is approved.
• Move into the spotlight: To become the center of public attention.
  • The young actor quickly moved into the spotlight after his first major film.

Verb

1. to come or go into
   • the boat entered an area of shallow marshes