Advert
/ˈædvɜrt/
nounA2
Definition
An advert is a way to tell people about a product, service, or event to make them interested. It usually tries to persuade people to buy or try what is being advertised. Adverts can be on TV, radio, newspapers, websites, or posters.
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See It in Action
A public message to promote products or services
- •I saw an advert for a new car on TV last night.
- •The shop put an advert in the newspaper to attract customers.
- •Online adverts often appear before videos.
A short notice or announcement
- •There was an advert about a lost dog in the local paper.
- •She placed an advert to sell her old bicycle.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "advert" like "ad," a short word you already know, but "advert" is a little more formal or used in British English.
- ✓Picture a bright poster on a bus or a short video on TV showing a new phone or delicious food.
- ✓It's the feeling when you see something you want to buy after watching an advert.
- ✓Sounds like "AD-vert" → imagine a person "advertising" by showing a big sign with the word "SALE."
- ✓Think of famous adverts like the Coca-Cola Christmas trucks or a catchy jingle on the radio.
- ✓NOT like "news" (which gives information), an advert tries to make you want something.
- ✓NOT like "story" (which entertains), adverts have a clear goal: sell or promote.
- ✓NOT like "poster" alone, because adverts can be many forms, including videos or sounds.
Try Other Words
- •Advertisement: a full word for advert, often used in formal writing (Use when you want to be very clear or formal)
- •Commercial: an advert on TV or radio (Use when talking about adverts with sound or video)
- •Promotion: a general word for activities to sell or make something popular (Use when talking about sales or special offers)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ad-" (short for "advertisement") + "-vert" (from Latin "vertere," meaning to turn or direct)
- •Etymology: From "advertisement," which comes from Latin "advertere," meaning to turn attention to something
- •Historical development: The word "advert" is a shorter form used since the 19th century, mainly in British English
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in British English to mean a short promotional message, especially in newspapers or online
Reflect & Connect
•How do adverts influence what you decide to buy or try?
•Can you think of an advert that made you feel happy or excited? Why did it work?
Fill in the blanks
1.The company made an advert to ___ their new product to many people.
2.When you see an advert on TV, it usually tries to make you ___ something.
3.Unlike a news story, an advert is designed to ___ your attention and interest.
4.She placed an advert in the paper because she wanted to ___ her old car.
5.Online adverts often appear ___ videos or websites to catch your eye.
6.A commercial is a type of advert that uses ___ and ___ to promote something.
7.If an advert is very short and simple, people might also call it an ___.