WordGarden.iohang
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈæŋ/
US
- /ˈhæŋ/
Meanings
Verb
to attach or be attached above so that something is suspended
to kill or execute someone by suspending them by the neck
to spend time casually with someone or in a place
More meaningsFewer meanings
to depend on or be decided by something
to stop responding or freeze, especially of a computer program
Noun
a basic grasp or knack for doing something
Beyond the definition
To "hang" has several common meanings. You can hang a picture on the wall, hang out with friends, or hang around while you wait for something. Plans can also hang in the balance when the result is still uncertain. It is a simple word, but it appears in many everyday situations.
The past tense can be tricky. "Hung" is the usual form ("I hung the picture"), but "hanged" is used specifically for execution by suspension ("He was hanged for his crimes"). So the meaning depends a lot on the context.
The word "hang" begins with the idea of something being suspended from above. Clothes can hang on a line, a lamp can hang from the ceiling, and you can hang a painting on a wall. In this basic sense, it often describes either being attached from the top or placing something in that position.
From there, the word branches into several everyday uses. People often say hang out when they mean spending relaxed time together, and hang around when they mean staying nearby without doing much. "Let's hang out after work" is casual and friendly, while "I hung around the station" suggests waiting near a place for a while.
"Hang" is also used for situations that are unresolved or delayed. If something hangs in the balance, the outcome is still uncertain. If a problem hangs over someone, it continues to trouble them. These uses keep the same general feeling of something remaining there and not being settled yet.
There is also a special past form to remember. The normal past tense is "hung": "She hung her coat by the door." But "hanged" is used specifically for execution by suspension: "The prisoner was hanged." This distinction is one of the most important grammar points connected with the word.
The word appears in many fixed expressions too, such as hang on (wait), hang onto (keep hold of), and hang tough (stay firm). Taken together, these meanings make "hang" a very common and flexible English word, used for physical position, social time, waiting, uncertainty, and, in a special case, execution.
Examples
- 1
Coat storage
Please hang your coat by the door.
- 2
Wall decoration
A family photo used to hang over the fireplace.
- 3
Laundry
Wet clothes were hanging on the line in the sun.
- 4
Tense silence
For a moment, silence hung between them.
- Phrasesilence hung between them
the silence continued and felt noticeable
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Social time
We used to hang out at that cafe after class.
- Phrasehang out
spend time in a relaxed way
- 6
Short wait
Hang on a second while I find her number.
- Phrasehang on
wait briefly
- 7
Phone call
Don't hang up yet - I'm almost done.
- Phrasehang up
end a phone call
- 8
Keeping items
Hang on to your ticket until the end of the concert.
- Patternhang on to + item
keep it and do not lose it
- 9
Ongoing worry
The decision has been hanging over us all week.
- Patternhang over + person/group
keep causing worry
- 10
Difficulty
We're still short on money, but we're hanging in there.
- Phrasehang in there
keep going in a difficult situation
- 11
Dependence
The whole deal hangs on whether they agree to the new terms.
- Patternhang on + condition
depend on it
See also
Forms and spellings
5 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- hangverbnoun
Forms
- hanging-ing formverbnoun
- hungpast tensepast participleverbnoun
- hangsverbnoun
- hangedpast tenseverbnoun