Grip
/ɡrɪp/
nounverbB1
Definition
Grip is the act of holding something tightly so it does not slip or fall. It can also mean having control or power over something, like a situation or idea. People use their hands to grip objects, but the word can also describe mental or emotional control.
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See It in Action
Physical hold or grasp
- •She had a strong grip on the handle so the bag wouldn’t fall.
- •The athlete’s grip on the bat helped him hit the ball better.
- •The child lost his grip and the toy fell to the floor.
Control or influence over something
- •The company has a firm grip on the market.
- •Fear had a tight grip on his mind during the exam.
- •The story quickly gained a grip on the audience’s attention.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "grip" like "hold" (A1 word), but stronger and tighter, as if you do not want to lose what you have
- ✓Picture your hand wrapped firmly around a rope or a cup so it will not fall
- ✓It’s the feeling when you hold a friend’s hand tightly to keep them safe or steady
- ✓Sounds like "grip" → imagine your hand making a small "grip" sound when it closes tightly around something hard
- ✓Think of a climber gripping a rock to stay safe on a mountain, or a driver gripping the steering wheel carefully
- ✓NOT like "touch" (light contact), "grip" means a firm and strong hold
- ✓NOT like "drop" (letting go), "grip" means to keep holding on
- ✓NOT like "grab" (quick take), "grip" is usually steady and strong, not fast or sudden
Try Other Words
- •Clutch: to hold something tightly, often because of fear or urgency (Use when the hold is sudden or emotional)
- •Seize: to take hold quickly and firmly (Use when the action is fast and forceful)
- •Grasp: to hold or understand something (Use when talking about physical hold or understanding ideas)
- •Clench: to close tightly, often with muscles or hands (Use when the hold is very tight and tense)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root word "grip" (no prefix or suffix)
- •Etymology: From Old English "grippan," meaning to seize or grasp
- •Historical development: Used since early English times to mean taking hold firmly; also extended to mean control or influence
- •Modern usage: Common in both physical and abstract senses, such as holding objects or controlling situations
Reflect & Connect
•How does your grip change when you are nervous or confident? Why do you think that happens?
•Can you think of a time when having a "grip" on a situation helped you solve a problem? What did that feel like?
Fill in the blanks
1.He held the rope with a tight grip because it was ___ to slip.
2.When she lost her grip, the ball ___ from her hands and rolled away.
3.The manager’s grip on the project was strong, so the team ___ well organized.
4.Fear had a ___ grip on him, making it hard to think clearly.
5.You should grip the steering wheel ___ when driving in bad weather.
6.Unlike a quick grab, a grip is usually ___ and steady.
7.The athlete’s grip improved after practicing to ___ the bat better.