card
card
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "card" is /kɑːrd/.
card:
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
/ɑː/ - open back unrounded vowel (long 'a' sound)
/r/ - postalveolar approximant
/d/ - voiced alveolar stop
Word Form Variations
Noun Forms:
Singular: card
Plural: cards
Verb Forms:
Base Form/Infinitive: card (e.g., to card)
Present Simple (third person singular): cards (e.g., He cards everyone who enters.)
Present Participle/Gerund: carding (e.g., They are carding at the door; Carding wool is a traditional craft.)
Past Simple: carded (e.g., The bouncer carded him; She carded the wool.)
Past Participle: carded (e.g., He has been carded many times; The wool was carefully carded.)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A small, flat piece of stiff paper or plastic, typically rectangular, used for various purposes such as identification, payment, playing games, or sending messages.
Synonyms: pass, ticket, credential, token, voucher, note, epistle, invitation
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it describes an object. One could argue a "void" or "absence" of a card, but that's not a true antonym)
A person, especially one who is quirky, entertaining, or an unusual character.
Synonyms: character, eccentric, individual, personality, oddball (informal), original
Antonyms: conformist, bore, typical person
A scheduled program of events, particularly in boxing or other combat sports.
Synonyms: program, lineup, schedule, bill, agenda, roster
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it refers to a set arrangement.)
A strategic advantage or strong point that can be utilized to one's benefit.
Synonyms: asset, advantage, trump (informal), ace (informal), leverage, edge
Antonyms: disadvantage, liability, weakness, handicap
Verb
To request and examine a person's identification, especially to verify their age for legal purposes like purchasing alcohol or tobacco.
Synonyms: check ID, verify age, ask for ID, examine credentials
Antonyms: admit freely, allow entry without check
To make smooth or disentangle fibers (such as wool or cotton) using a tool with wire teeth, preparing them for spinning.
Synonyms: comb, disentangle, untangle, prepare, dress
Antonyms: tangle, knot, mat, snarl
To list or schedule someone or something for an event, typically a sporting contest.
Synonyms: slate, bill, schedule, list, program, book
Antonyms: cancel, remove, deschedule, unbook
To write or make note of something, often a score or a point, on a card or record.
Synonyms: record, log, register, mark, score, tabulate
Antonyms: erase, delete, unmark, disregard
Adjective
Having or showing a smooth, firm, or even texture, similar to that achieved by carding. (Less common in general usage, but relevant to textiles)
Synonyms: smooth, unknotted, even, refined
Antonyms: coarse, rough, tangled, matted
Examples of Use
Books:
"He pulled a crisp card from his wallet, displaying his official police identification." (Fictional crime novel)
"The library's antiquated card catalog, though digital replacements existed, still held a certain charm for seasoned researchers." (Non-fiction book about library science)
"She kept a small stack of note cards by her bedside, jotting down ideas for her next story before they vanished." (Memoir or writing guide)
Newspapers:
"Local authorities will be carding patrons rigorously at all establishments selling alcohol this weekend, following a recent increase in underage drinking incidents." (Local newspaper article, Daily Chronicle)
"The boxing promoter announced an exciting fight card for next month's charity event, featuring several up-and-coming talents." (Sports section of a national newspaper, The Sports Herald)
"Residents are encouraged to apply for the new community loyalty card to receive discounts at participating local businesses." (The City Tribune, business section)
Online Publications:
"Our new article card design features a cleaner layout and larger images, improving readability and user engagement." (Tech blog post about web design, UX Insights)
"The company's CEO played a strong card by announcing a surprise acquisition, sending stock prices soaring." (Financial news website, MarketWatch)
"Before applying for that dream job, make sure your resume is up to card, addressing all the key requirements of the role." (Career advice article, LinkedIn Learning)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"The movie features a pivotal scene where the protagonist attempts to win a high-stakes poker game with a single winning card." (Film dialogue from a heist movie)
"In the latest expansion pack, players can collect rare holographic cards with unique abilities to enhance their in-game decks." (Online gaming forum discussing a trading card game)
"The concert venue has implemented a new digital entry system, requiring attendees to scan their e-card for seamless access." (Social media announcement from a concert promoter)
"Our favorite comedian is a real card; you never know what outrageous thing he'll say next." (Podcast review of a stand-up comedy special)
General Public Discourse:
"Did you remember to send a thank-you card to Aunt Martha after the party?" (Casual conversation between family members)
"I'd love to sign up for that gym, but I keep forgetting my membership card." (Everyday conversation among friends)
"He's always been a bit of a wild card, so it's hard to predict his next move." (Informal discussion about an unpredictable person)
"Don't forget to card anyone who looks under 25, even if they seem older." (Instructions from a manager to a retail employee)
10 Famous Quotes Using Card
"Life's a game of cards. You have to play the hand you're dealt." (Often attributed to various sources, reflects a common sentiment)
"A man's house is his castle, and he is a bold bad man who will venture to card anyone in it without his permission." (Paraphrased from an old legal principle about privacy)
"The best way to keep your friends is not to give them away with a card." (Often attributed to various sources, reflects a common sentiment)
"You've got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to run. You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table. There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealing's done." (Kenny Rogers, "The Gambler" - "Hold 'em" refers to holding playing cards)
"Every dog has his day, and a lucky card can change the game." (Proverbial saying)
"He has played a dangerous card." (Common phrase indicating a risky move)
"The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that's the way to bet." (Damon Runyon - implies betting on the "surest card")
"When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. There is no middle ground." (George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones - "Game" implying strategy like a card game)
"The playing card is the paper of the devil." (Common historical proverb, often attributed to religious figures)
"The truth is a very valuable card to play, but it's important to know when to show your hand." (Original metaphorical quote)
Etymology
The word "card" actually has a couple of different origins, which is why it has so many meanings today!
Origin 1: The "flat piece of paper/plastic" meaning
This is the most common meaning we think of now, like a playing card or a credit card. It comes from the Middle English word "carde," which came from the Old French "carte." This Old French word, in turn, came from the Latin "charta," meaning "paper" or "leaf of paper." Even further back, "charta" came from the Greek "khartēs," which referred to a "layer of papyrus" (an ancient form of paper). It's probably even connected to an ancient Egyptian word.
The first known use of "card" in English, referring specifically to a playing card, was around the early 15th century. Over time, this meaning expanded to include any small, flat, stiff piece of paper, like a business card (from the late 1700s) or a greeting card (from the mid-1800s).
Origin 2: The "combing wool" meaning
This meaning, as in "to card wool," has a different root. It comes from the late 14th century in English, either from the Old French "carde" or directly from a Latin root. This Latin root, carduus, means "thistle." Thistles and similar prickly plants were originally used as tools to comb and disentangle fibers like wool or cotton, which is why the word became associated with that process.
So, when you say "card," you're either referring to something made of paper/plastic that has roots back to ancient papyrus, or you're talking about a process (or tool for it) that has roots in prickly plants!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Card
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "card":
Play your cards right: To act skillfully or cleverly to achieve a desired outcome.
Have an ace up your sleeve / Have a card up your sleeve: To have a secret advantage or plan that can be used when needed.
Lay/Put all your cards on the table: To reveal all the facts or intentions openly and honestly.
Hold all the cards: To be in a position of power or advantage.
Deal a blow / Deal a bad hand: To cause harm or misfortune; to put someone in a difficult situation.
Get your marching orders / Get your walking papers: To be dismissed from a job or relationship (metaphorically like being given a formal notice card).
A full deck (or a few cards short of a full deck): Referring to someone's mental state – "a full deck" means sane, "a few cards short" means crazy.
A wild card: Someone or something whose behavior is unpredictable or whose influence is uncertain.
On the cards: Likely or probable to happen.
Play the race card / Play the victim card: To use a particular issue (like race or victimhood) to gain an advantage or evoke sympathy.
In the cards: Destined or fated to happen.
Show your hand: To reveal one's intentions or resources.
Fold (your hand): To give up, especially in a game or competition.
The new card on the block: A fresh or innovative approach/person (original, similar to "new kid on the block").
Not quite a full deck: Slightly eccentric or foolish.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of card from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
