rock
Meaning: A hard natural material; a type of music; to move back and forth
The word 'rock' has several meanings: the hard substance that forms mountains, a large stone, a genre of popular music, or to move gently back and forth. 'Rock and roll' is a music style. 'Rock solid' means completely reliable. In British slang, 'on the rocks' can mean in trouble or with ice.
Examples
- Be careful—there are sharp rocks along the beach. 小心——海滩上有锋利的岩石。Ten cuidado, hay rocas afiladas a lo largo de la playa.気をつけて——ビーチには鋭い岩があります。조심하세요—해변을 따라 날카로운 바위가 있습니다.
- She loves listening to classic rock music from the seventies. 她喜欢听七十年代的经典摇滚乐。Le encanta escuchar música rock clásica de los setenta.彼女は70年代のクラシックロック音楽を聴くのが大好きです。그녀는 70년대 클래식 록 음악 듣는 것을 정말 좋아합니다.
- The mother rocked the baby gently to sleep. 母亲轻轻地摇着婴儿入睡。La madre meció suavemente al bebé para dormirlo.母親は赤ちゃんをやさしく揺らして寝かしつけました。어머니는 아기를 부드럽게 흔들어 재웠습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old English 'rocc' (stone), from Old French 'roque', from Medieval Latin 'rocca', of uncertain origin. The music genre 'rock and roll' (1950s) likely derives from the verb 'to rock' meaning to sway.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Story & Trivia
In British seaside towns, 'rock' also refers to a long stick-shaped sweet, traditionally sold at resorts like Brighton or Blackpool, with the town's name running through the middle.
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