Word: vault (noun / verb)

Associations

The word "vault" has two main uses: as a noun and as a verb.

As a noun:

• A "vault" is a type of arched structure, often underground, used to store things safely. For example, a bank vault is a strong room where money or valuables are kept.
• It can also mean a room or chamber, often with a curved ceiling, like in old buildings or churches.

As a verb:

• To "vault" means to jump over something, usually by using your hands or a pole to help.
• It can also mean to move quickly or suddenly upward or forward.

Examples:

1. Noun: The museum keeps its most valuable paintings in a secure vault. (A safe room)
2. Verb: She vaulted over the fence to get into the garden. (Jumped over)
3. Noun: The cathedral has beautiful stone vaults in the ceiling. (Arched ceiling)

Synonym difference:

• For the noun "vault" as a safe place, a synonym is "safe" or "strongroom," but "vault" usually implies a special, secure, often underground room.
• For the verb "vault," a similar word is "jump," but "vault" often involves using hands or a pole to help jump over something.

Substitution

• As a noun (safe place): You can say "safe," "strongroom," or "repository," but "vault" is more specific to banks or secure storage.
• As a verb (jump): You can say "jump," "leap," or "spring," but "vault" suggests using hands or a pole to help jump over an obstacle.

Deconstruction

• The noun "vault" comes from Latin "volta," meaning an arch or a curved structure.
• The verb "vault" comes from the noun, meaning to move over something like an arch.
• The root idea is about a curved shape or a jump that goes over something curved or high.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a place where valuables are kept safely? Would you call it a vault or something else?
• Have you ever seen or tried to vault over an obstacle? How is it different from just jumping?
• How might the meaning of "vault" change if used in a sentence about architecture versus sports?