tower
/'tauə/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A tall, narrow structure: A building or object that is much taller than it is wide, often standing alone or as part of a larger building.
- Anything resembling such a structure: An object or formation that is tall and narrow in shape, like a column.
Verb:
- To rise to a great height: To be or appear very tall, especially in comparison to surroundings.
- To appear very large or imposing: To stand out prominently or command attention due to size or importance.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.
- A tower of books stood precariously on his desk.
- A tower of smoke rose from the factory chimney.
Verb:
- The skyscraper towers over the rest of the city.
- His intelligence towers above that of his classmates.
- Dark clouds towered on the horizon before the storm.
Advanced Usage
"to tower above/over": To be much taller or more significant than someone or something else.
- In both skill and reputation, she towers over her competitors.
"ivory tower" (idiomatic noun phrase): A state of privileged seclusion or separation from the practical concerns of everyday life, often associated with academia.
- Critics accused the policymakers of living in an ivory tower, disconnected from the public's needs.
Variants and Related Words
Towering (adjective): Extremely tall or impressive; of great intensity.
- He faced a towering challenge.
- The view was blocked by towering mountains.
Watchtower (noun): A high tower from which a guard can observe the surrounding area.
- Water tower (noun): An elevated tank for storing water.
Synonyms
- Noun: Spire, steeple, column, pillar, skyscraper.
- Verb: Loom, soar, rise, dominate, overshadow.
Related Phrases and Phrasal Verbs
- Tower block (noun, chiefly British): A tall building containing many floors of apartments or offices.
- She lives on the 20th floor of a tower block.
Related Idioms
A tower of strength: A person who provides strong, reliable support, especially in times of trouble.
- My sister was a tower of strength when I was ill.
To live in an ivory tower: To be isolated from normal life and practical problems.
- The professor's theories were interesting but suggested he lived in an ivory tower.
Noun
- a powerful small boat designed to pull or push larger ships
- anything that approximates the shape of a column or tower
- the test tube held a column of white powder
- a tower of dust rose above the horizon
- a thin pillar of smoke betrayed their campsite
- a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building
Verb
- appear very large or occupy a commanding position
- The huge sculpture predominates over the fountain
- Large shadows loomed on the canyon wall