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move

A1
verbnoun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /mˈuːv/

US

  • /ˈmuv/

Description

"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.

Examples

  1. 1

    Polite request

    Could you move your bag so I can sit down?

  2. 2

    Train travel

    The train started moving slowly out of the station.

  3. 3

    Relocation

    We moved to Chicago when I was ten.

    • Pattern

      move to + place

      go to live in a new place

  4. 4

    Housing

    They're moving into a bigger apartment next month.

    • Pattern

      move into + place

      start living or working there

  5. 5

    Scheduling

    Can we move the meeting to Friday?

    • Pattern

      move + event/thing + to + time/place

      change its planned time or place

  6. 6

    Work policy

    The company is moving toward fully remote work.

    • Pattern

      move toward + goal/state

      gradually come closer to it

  7. 7

    Starting action

    Let's get moving, or we'll be late.

    • Phrase

      get moving

      start going or start doing something

  8. 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. 9

    Emotional reaction

    His speech moved everyone in the room.

    • Meaning

      move someone

      make someone feel strong emotion

  10. 10

    Decision

    That was a smart move, but it was risky.

    • Meaning

      a move

      an action or decision

  11. 11

    Turn-taking

    It's your move.

    • Phrase

      your move

      your turn to act or decide

  12. 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