land
/lænd/
The primary image is stability and solid ground as opposed to the fluidity of water or the emptiness of air. As a noun, it shifts from a physical substance (soil/earth) to a political or cultural identity (homeland/nation). As a verb, there is a strong sense of transition from movement to stillness. Whether it is an airplane touching down or a bird perching, the emphasis is on the moment of arrival and the cessation of flight. In a figurative sense, "landing" something implies a successful capture or acquisition. This usually carries a connotation of luck or competitive achievement, such as securing a high-status job after a rigorous process.
Uncountable when referring to the general physical surface of the earth as opposed to the sea ('land and sea'). Countable when referring to a specific nation, territory, or ancestral homeland ('a distant land').
💬Casual Conversation
The new 'Synergy Sphere' initiative must resonate deeply.
Resonate? How will this land with teams? We need a plan.
Meanings
The part of the earth's surface that is not covered by water.
"They traveled across vast stretches of dry land."
A specific country, region, or territory.
"The immigrants arrived in a strange and distant land."
To come down from the air and settle on the ground.
"The plane landed safely despite the heavy fog."
Collocations & Compounds
land owner
a person who owns land
The land owner refused to sell his property.
land reform
the redistribution of land from large landowners to landless peasants.
The government is considering land reform to address inequality.
land mine
a bomb laid on or just under the surface of the ground.
Clearing land mines is a dangerous task.
land use
the management and modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as fields, pastures, and settlements.
Urban planning involves careful consideration of land use.
land bridge
a strip of land connecting two larger land masses, across which animals and plants are able to migrate.
Scientists believe humans migrated to the Americas via a land bridge.
Phrasal Verbs
land on
to settle upon a specific spot
The bird landed on the fence.|land up|to end up in a particular situation|He landed up in a jail cell after the riot.
Idioms & Sayings
land a blow
to hit someone or something forcefully.
The boxer landed a stunning uppercut blow.
land a job
to succeed in getting a job.
She worked hard to land her dream job.
land with
to give someone responsibility for something, often something unpleasant.
The manager landed me with the most tedious task.
land on one's feet
to recover easily from a difficult situation.
Despite the setback, he always seems to land on his feet.
land a fish
to successfully catch a fish.
The angler was thrilled to land a large fish.
Etymology
The word 'land' comes from Old English 'land', which itself derives from Proto-Germanic 'landa-' and Proto-Indo-European 'lendh-' (meaning 'land, ground, forest'). It has cognates in many Germanic languages, reflecting its ancient origins. The meaning has remained remarkably consistent throughout its history, referring to solid ground, as opposed to sea or air, and also to territory or a country.