gold
gold
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "gold" is /ɡoʊld/.
gold: /ɡoʊld/
Word Form Variations
Noun: gold (singular, uncountable), golds (plural, countable, referring to types or shades of gold)
Adjective: gold, golden (derived from gold, but with distinct uses)
Verb: gild (related verb, meaning to cover with gold), golden (as in "to make golden")
Adverb: (No direct adverb form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Gold
A precious, yellow, metallic element, highly valued for its rarity, malleability, and resistance to corrosion, used in jewelry, coinage, and electronics.
Synonyms: bullion, specie (coined gold), treasure (when accumulated), aurum (chemical name)
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to a specific element)
A deep lustrous yellow color, like that of the metal.
Synonyms: golden, amber, saffron, yellow (specific shade)
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms; refers to a color)
Something considered to be very valuable, excellent, or precious.
Synonyms: treasure, gem, prize, asset, marvel
Antonyms: junk, trash, worthless item, dross
Adjective
Gold
Made of or containing gold.
Synonyms: golden, gilded, auric
Antonyms: silver, platinum (other metals, by contrast)
Having the color of gold.
Synonyms: golden, yellowish, amber
Antonyms: silver (by contrast), dull, pale
Verb
Gild (related verb)
To cover thinly with gold; to give a golden color to.
Synonyms: plate, coat, veneer, aurify
Antonyms: strip, expose, tarnish
Golden (as a verb, e.g., "to golden something")
To make golden in color. (Less common, often implied in cooking)
Synonyms: brown, toast, crisp (in cooking context)
Antonyms: whiten, bleach
Examples of Use
Books
Non-fiction (History/Economics): Books often discuss the history of "gold" rushes, the use of "gold" as currency, or its role in global economies. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind touches upon "gold's" role as an early form of money (Harper, February 2015).
Fiction: Characters might search for hidden "gold" treasure, or describe something as being "golden" in color. "He saw a flicker of gold in the distant hills."
Children's Books: Fairy tales often feature objects made of "gold" or characters finding pots of "gold" at the end of rainbows.
Newspapers
Financial Pages: Journalists frequently report on the price of "gold" in commodities markets, its performance as an investment, or its demand as a safe-haven asset. "Gold prices surge amid economic uncertainty" (Bloomberg, July 2025).
Sports Sections: Articles report on athletes winning "gold medals" in competitions. "The sprinter clinched her third Olympic gold."
Lifestyle/Fashion: Sections might feature jewelry trends using "gold" or discuss gold-colored accessories.
Online Publications
Investment Websites: Financial news sites provide real-time charts and analysis of "gold" prices and investment opportunities. "Is now the right time to invest in gold?"
E-commerce Sites: Jewelers and retailers sell various items made of "gold," specifying karat (e.g., 14K gold, 24K gold). "Browse our collection of rose gold rings."
Social Media: Users share photos of gold jewelry, gold-colored fashion items, or use "gold" metaphorically for something excellent. "This sunset is pure gold!"
News Sites: Report on archaeological discoveries of ancient gold artifacts or central banks adding to their gold reserves.
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms
Movies/TV Shows: Characters might embark on a quest for "gold" (e.g., in pirate movies). Awards ceremonies feature "gold statues" (like the Oscars). Dialogue might refer to a "heart of gold."
Music: Song lyrics often reference "gold" to symbolize wealth, value, or a beloved person. "She's got a heart of gold."
Video Games: Players collect "gold" as in-game currency, or discover gold-plated items. Lore might describe ancient civilizations obsessed with "gold."
Sports Broadcasts: Commentators celebrate athletes who win "gold medals" at the Olympics or other major events.
Documentaries: Historical documentaries might explore the impact of "gold" rushes on regions or civilizations.
General Public Discourse
Conversations: In daily speech, people commonly say, "That idea is pure gold!" or "Do you prefer silver or gold jewelry?" "He struck gold with his new business."
Workplace (e.g., Mining, Finance): Discussions revolve around gold mining operations, gold bullion, or the stability of gold as an investment.
Gift-giving: People often give "gold" jewelry for special occasions.
Idiomatic Use: Phrases like "as good as gold" (very well-behaved), "worth its weight in gold" (very valuable), or "a heart of gold" (very kind) are common. "The new assistant is worth her weight in gold."
10 Quotes Using Gold
"All that glitters is not gold." (William Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice)
"Silence is golden." (Proverb)
"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." (Proverbs 22:1, KJV)
"Health is more precious than gold." (Arabic Proverb)
"The finest gold is tried in the fire."
"A true friend is better than gold."
"Time is more precious than gold."
"Art is the only gold that does not rust."
"Hope, like gold, is where you find it in the most unexpected places."
"A heart of gold is worth more than all the treasures in the world."
Etymology
The word "gold" comes from the Old English word "gold," which referred directly to the precious, yellow metal. This word has deep roots in ancient Germanic languages, and even further back to a reconstructed Indo-European word that likely meant "yellow" or "shining."
The first known use of "gold" in English, with the meaning of "the precious metal," dates back to before the 9th century. It appeared in texts referring to the valuable element, its color, and objects made from it, and this core meaning has remained consistent throughout its history.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Gold
All that glitters is not gold: Appearances can be deceptive; not everything that looks valuable is. "The job offer seemed amazing, but remember, all that glitters is not gold."
Heart of gold: A very kind and generous nature. "Despite his gruff exterior, he has a heart of gold."
Worth its weight in gold: Extremely valuable or useful. "That old piece of advice proved to be worth its weight in gold."
As good as gold: Very well-behaved, especially of children; also, very reliable. "The children were as good as gold during the long trip."
Go for gold: To aim for the highest possible achievement (like a gold medal). "The athlete is training hard, determined to go for gold."
Strike gold: To discover something very profitable or advantageous; to achieve great success. "He struck gold with his new tech startup."
Silence is golden: Being quiet or saying nothing is often the best or most valuable course of action. "When in doubt, remember that silence is golden."
Golden opportunity: A perfect chance to achieve something. "This new project is a golden opportunity for our team."
Fool's gold: Pyrite, a mineral that looks like gold but is worthless; metaphorically, something that appears valuable but is not. "His promises turned out to be nothing but fool's gold."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of gold from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
