Hinge
/hɪndʒ/
nounverbB1
Definition
As a noun, a hinge is a device that joins two things, such as a door and a frame, and allows one part to swing open or closed. As a verb, "hinge" means that something depends closely on an important point or idea, like a decision or event.
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See It in Action
Noun: A metal or plastic joint that allows movement between two parts
- •The door's hinge was rusty and needed oil.
- •She fixed the cabinet hinge so it could open smoothly.
- •The gate swings on strong hinges.
Verb: To depend on or turn around an important point or event
- •The success of the project hinges on good teamwork.
- •Their decision to move hinges on the weather forecast.
- •Everything hinged on the final exam results.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "hinge" like a "door" (A1 word), but the hinge is the small part that lets the door open and close smoothly.
- ✓Picture a door slowly opening on metal pieces that connect it to the wall — those are hinges.
- ✓It's the feeling of something turning or depending on one small but important part, like a secret that changes everything.
- ✓Sounds like "HINJ" → imagine a door hinge making a soft "hinge" sound when it moves.
- ✓Think of a story where everything depends on one key moment — that moment is the "hinge" of the story.
- ✓NOT like "handle" (you hold a handle to open), but "hinge" is what makes the movement possible.
- ✓NOT like "lock" (which stops movement), a hinge allows movement.
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "decide" (which is an action), but "hinge" means to depend on something important.
Try Other Words
- •Pivot: a central point or pin on which something turns (Use when emphasizing turning or rotation around a point)
- •Depend: to rely on something (Use when talking about something that depends on another thing, like a result or decision)
- •Joint: a connection between two parts (Use when focusing on the connection, not the movement)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefixes or suffixes) — "hinge" is a simple root word
- •Etymology: From Old English "hinge" or "hynge," meaning a joint or fastener
- •Historical development: Used since old times for parts that connect doors or lids to frames, allowing movement
- •Modern usage: Used both for physical objects like doors and figurative ideas about dependence or turning points
- •Interesting fact: The word "hinge" is often used in phrases like "hinge on/upon" to show dependence
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a moment in your life that was a "hinge" moment, where everything changed?
•How do hinges in objects help us in daily life, and what would happen if they did not work well?
Fill in the blanks
1.The door would not open because the ___ was broken and stuck.
2.The success of the event ___ on the weather being good.
3.Unlike a lock, a ___ allows a door to swing open and closed.
4.When a story ___ on one moment, that moment is very important.
5.The cabinet door moves smoothly because of the small metal ___.
6.Their decision to travel ___ on the results of the test.
7.A ___ is different from a handle because it does not help you hold but lets the door move.