Word: ad (noun)

Associations

"Ad" is short for "advertisement." It is something made to tell people about a product, service, or event, usually to make them interested or to buy something.

• On TV, you see many ads between shows. These ads try to sell things like cars, food, or phones.
• On the internet, you might see ads on websites or social media. They can be pictures, videos, or text.
• In newspapers or magazines, ads are printed to promote sales or events.

A synonym is "commercial," but "commercial" usually means an ad on TV or radio, while "ad" can be anywhere, including print or online.

Substitution

Instead of "ad," you can say:

• Advertisement (more formal)
• Commercial (usually for TV or radio)
• Promotion (more general, can be any way to promote)
• Spot (a short ad on TV or radio)

Using "commercial" instead of "ad" makes it clear you mean TV or radio. "Promotion" is broader and can include sales or discounts.

Deconstruction

"Ad" comes from the first two letters of "advertisement."

• "Ad-" is a prefix meaning "toward" or "to."
• "Advertisement" comes from Latin "advertere," meaning "to turn toward." So, an ad is something that "turns attention toward" a product or idea.

Inquiry

• Where do you usually see ads in your daily life?
• Can you think of an ad that made you want to buy something? Why?
• How are ads different on TV compared to online or in a newspaper?