put
/pʊt/
Reviewed on
Type
Verb
Meaning
To move something into a particular position, place, or condition.
He put the fresh groceries on the kitchen counter before unpacking them.
To express or state something in a specific manner.
To put it simply, we cannot afford to expand operations this year.
To assign a specific value, figure, or estimate to something.
Analysts put the total cost of the project at over five million dollars.
How it's used
When this means “place in a position”
- put the book on the table
“put it there.”
She put the keys in her pocket.
When this means “express in words”
- put it bluntly
“put it that way.”
He put the issue clearly during the staff meeting.
When this means “estimate an amount”
- put the cost at ten dollars
“put it at that amount.”
They put the damage at several thousand dollars.
Collocations
- put into words
- put it simply
- put pressure on
- put a price on
Idioms
put your foot down
to use authority to stop something
The manager put her foot down and rejected the unreasonable request.
put someone in their place
to humble an arrogant person
His sharp reply quickly put the boastful intern in his place.
stay put
to remain in one location
Everyone should stay put until the building inspection is complete.
put off
to postpone
We had to put off the trip until next month.
put up with
to tolerate something unpleasant
I can't put up with the noise from the construction site much longer.
put on
to dress in
Put on a jacket; it's cold outside.