embankment (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ɪmˈbæŋkmənt/

Meaning and Usage

An embankment is a raised structure, often made of earth or stone, built to contain or support a roadway, railway, or body of water. Embankments are commonly used in civil engineering and construction for flood control or transportation purposes. The term has a frequency of moderate to high use, primarily in written contexts such as engineering reports, descriptive texts, and legal documents, but can also appear in oral discussions related to civil works.

Example Sentences

1. The city built a new embankment along the river to prevent flooding during heavy rains.
   Translation: La ciudad construyó un nuevo muro de contención a lo largo del río para prevenir inundaciones durante fuertes lluvias.

2. Workers were seen reinforcing the embankment to ensure it could withstand the pressure of the rising water.
   Translation: Se vio a los trabajadores reforzando el terraplén para asegurarse de que pudiera soportar la presión del agua en aumento.

3. The embankment along the railway was crucial in stabilizing the tracks.
   Translation: El terraplén a lo largo del ferrocarril fue crucial para estabilizar las vías.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "embankment" is not frequently part of idiomatic expressions, it can appear in metaphorical contexts discussing boundaries or limitations, such as in expressions relating to emotional or physical barriers. Here are few illustrative examples:

1. "He built an emotional embankment around himself to keep others at a distance."
   Translation: "Él construyó un terraplén emocional a su alrededor para mantener a los demás a distancia."

2. "The community's efforts acted as an embankment against the tide of negativity."
   Translation: "Los esfuerzos de la comunidad actuaron como un terraplén contra la marea de negatividad."

Etymology

The word "embankment" derives from the Middle French en banc, meaning "to bank," and it adopted its current form in English during the late 17th century. The prefix "em-" comes from Latin, meaning "to cause to be in," while "bank" refers to a raised area.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms:
- Dike
- Causeway
- Mound

Antonyms:
- Depression
- Hollow
- Pit

This comprehensive overview illustrates the word "embankment" from various angles, touching upon its definition, usage, idiomatic potential, etymology, and synonyms/antonyms.