Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
grounds
The word operates on a central theme of "foundation" and "stability," whether physical, logical, or restrictive. When referring to land or coffee dregs, it evokes the lowest, most solid layer of a space or substance. In a legal or argumentative context, it shifts from physical soil to intellectual stability—providing the necessary support for a claim to stand. As a verb, the feeling is one of containment or immobilization. Whether grounding a child or an airplane, the core image is the forced removal of mobility (social or aerial) to ensure safety, order, or discipline. Compared to "reasons," using "grounds" in a logical context feels more formal and authoritative, often implying a threshold of evidence that must be met before action can be taken.
Uncountable when referring to the sediment left over from brewing coffee ('coffee grounds') or the logical justification for an action ('grounds for divorce'). Countable (usually plural) when referring to the physical land and gardens surrounding a large estate ('the palace grounds').
💬Conversación Casual
Victoria, the energy on these grounds is stagnant. We must move the HQ here.
I'm knee-deep in the audit, sir. Please don't pivot now.
Meanings
The area of land surrounding a building, especially a large house.
"The manor house is surrounded by ten acres of beautifully landscaped grounds."
Solid reasons or a logical basis for believing something or taking a certain action.
"There are reasonable grounds to believe that the suspect is hiding in the city."
The dregs of brewed coffee left in the filter or cup.
"She recycled the used coffee grounds as fertilizer for her garden."
To punish a child or teenager by forbidding them from going out or participating in social activities.
"The parents decided to ground their son for a week after he failed his exams."
To base an argument, theory, or action on a particular set of facts or principles.
"You must ground your claims in empirical evidence to be taken seriously by the committee."
Of an aircraft: to be prevented from flying for safety or disciplinary reasons.
"The entire fleet was grounded due to a technical fault in the engine."