move
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈuːv/
US
- /ˈmuv/
Description
- go somewhere
- shift position
- make progress
- touch feelings
- suggest formally
"Move" may look like a simple word, but it is used in many ways. Most often, it means going from one place to another or changing position. We move our bodies when we walk, run, or dance, and we move things when we carry or push them. It can also mean making progress, as when a project is moving forward. Sometimes it means affecting someone's feelings: "That movie really moved me." In formal speech, it can mean suggesting something for discussion: "I move that we adjourn the meeting." In games like chess, a piece moves across the board. At its core, the word is about change in place, action, or feeling.
The word "move" is deceptively complex. At its most basic, it describes a change in physical location—like when you move furniture around the room or move to a new city: "She decided to move west after graduating college."
But "move" extends far beyond just going from one place to another. It can describe progress or action: "The project is moving forward quickly." It can also refer to influencing someone emotionally, as in, "That song really moved me to tears." A powerful speech might move an audience to take action.
In formal settings, "move" has a specific meaning within meetings and debates. To move a motion means to formally propose it for discussion and voting: "I move that we approve the budget."
And don't forget its use in games! In chess or checkers, you move your pieces strategically across the board. Even abstract concepts can "move"—like when public opinion moves toward a particular viewpoint.
So, whether it's physical travel, emotional impact, formal proposals, or strategic gameplay—"move" is about change, action, and shifting from one state to another. It's a word that keeps things… well, moving!
Examples
- 1
Polite request
Could you move your bag so I can sit down?
- 2
Train travel
The train started moving slowly out of the station.
- 3
Relocation
We moved to Chicago when I was ten.
Pattern
move to + place
go to live in a new place
- 4
Housing
They're moving into a bigger apartment next month.
Pattern
move into + place
start living or working there
- 5
Scheduling
Can we move the meeting to Friday?
Pattern
move + event/thing + to + time/place
change its planned time or place
- 6
Work policy
The company is moving toward fully remote work.
Pattern
move toward + goal/state
gradually come closer to it
- 7
Starting action
Let's get moving, or we'll be late.
Phrase
get moving
start going or start doing something
- 8
Emotional recovery
After the breakup, she needed time to move on.
Phrase
move on
stop focusing on the past and continue with life
- 9
Emotional reaction
His speech moved everyone in the room.
Meaning
move someone
make someone feel strong emotion
- 10
Decision
That was a smart move, but it was risky.
Meaning
a move
an action or decision
- 11
Turn-taking
It's your move.
Phrase
your move
your turn to act or decide
- 12
Dating
He finally made a move and asked her out.
Phrase
make a move
take action, often in a romantic situation
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- movenounverb
Forms
- moving-ing formverbnoun
- movedpast tenseverbnoun
- movespluralnounverb