train
train
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "train" is /treɪn/.
/treɪn/
Word Form Variations
Noun: train (singular), trains (plural)
Verb: train (base form), trains (third person singular present), training (present participle), trained (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: train (used attributively, e.g., "train station"), trained (past participle used adjectivally)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A series of interconnected railway cars or carriages pulled by a locomotive or propelled by motors, traveling on railway tracks.
Synonyms: railway, locomotive, express, choo-choo (informal, childish), metro (if underground)
Antonyms: car (individual), bus, airplane, ship (as other modes of transport)
Definition 2: A long part of a dress or robe that trails on the ground behind the wearer.
Synonyms: trail, tail, flowing fabric, appendage
Antonyms: front, bodice, short (if not trailing)
Definition 3: A line of people, animals, or vehicles moving in sequence.
Synonyms: procession, caravan, convoy, line, file, queue
Antonyms: crowd (disorganized), jumble, scattered group
Definition 4: A sequence of events or ideas that follow one another.
Synonyms: sequence, series, chain, succession, progression, course
Antonyms: disruption, discontinuity, break, randomness
Definition 5: (Historical) A body of attendants, a retinue.
Synonyms: retinue, entourage, escort, company, following
Antonyms: leader, master, principal (as distinct from attendants)
Verb
Definition 1: To teach a person or animal a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction.
Synonyms: teach, instruct, coach, educate, drill, discipline
Antonyms: untrain, misinform, neglect (training), confuse
Definition 2: To undergo a course of exercise and diet in order to prepare for a specific event or competition.
Synonyms: practice, exercise, prepare, condition, work out, drill
Antonyms: relax, rest, detrain, neglect (preparation)
Definition 3: To direct the growth or development of (a plant or a person's behavior) in a particular way.
Synonyms: guide, direct, shape, mold, orient, cultivate
Antonyms: hinder, discourage, inhibit, stunt
Definition 4: To aim or point (a gun, camera, or other device) at something.
Synonyms: aim, point, direct, focus, target, level
Antonyms: misaim, misdirect, unfocus, ignore
Adjective (Past Participle 'trained' used adjectivally)
Trained (Adjective): Having been taught a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction.
Synonyms: skilled, qualified, expert, professional, seasoned, disciplined
Antonyms: untrained, unskilled, amateur, novice, uneducated
Examples of Use
Books:
"The overnight train from Nairobi to Mombasa rattled along the tracks, carrying passengers through the Kenyan wilderness." (Fictional example from a travel novel or adventure story)
"To effectively train a dog, consistency and positive reinforcement are key, as detailed in this pet care manual." (From a non-fiction book on animal behavior or pet training)
"Her wedding dress had an unusually long train, flowing gracefully behind her as she walked down the aisle." (Fictional example from a romance novel)
Newspapers:
"Kenya Railways announced disruptions to the SGR passenger train services due to heavy rains." ("Daily Nation,")
"The government plans to invest more in vocational schools to train youth for technical jobs." ("The Standard,")
"Scientists used advanced algorithms to train AI models on vast datasets for medical diagnosis." ("Business Daily Africa,’’)
Online Publications:
"Our ultimate guide on how to train for your first marathon: tips, schedules, and nutrition." (An article on a fitness blog, e.g., Runner's World Online,)
"Learn Python for data science: This free course will train you in essential programming skills." (A promotional piece for an online learning platform, e.g., Coursera)
"The new feature allows you to train your smart assistant to recognize specific voice commands." (A tech review or tutorial, e.g., CNET)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I like trains." (A famous, often quoted line from the viral "I Like Trains" internet meme, popular in various animated shorts)
Television Series: "Our contestants must now train a wild horse in only three days to complete this challenge." (Instructions on a reality competition show, e.g., The Amazing Race)
Song Lyrics: "Train kept a rollin', all through the night." (Aerosmith, "Train Kept A-Rollin'," 1974)
Video Games: "Your character needs to train harder to increase their combat skills and defeat stronger enemies." (In-game objective or tutorial, e.g., The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we explore the historical significance of the Transcontinental Railroad and the people who helped train it." (A podcast on history or engineering, e.g., Dan Carlin's Hardcore History)
General Public Discourse:
"What train do you take to get to work?" (A common question about commuting)
"I need to train for that marathon next year, so I'm starting my runs today." (A personal goal statement)
"Can you believe the cost of the SGR train tickets now?" (A common discussion point about public transport in Kenya)
"My dog is well-trained; he never jumps on the furniture." (Describing a pet's behavior)
"The bride's train was so long it took three bridesmaids to carry it." (Describing wedding attire)
"His whole train of thought was interrupted by the sudden noise." (Referring to a sequence of ideas)
"The company is looking for trained professionals in IT." (Referring to qualified individuals)
"He's a train wreck waiting to happen." (Informal idiom for someone likely to fail spectacularly)
10 Quotes Using Train
"The train kept a rollin', all through the night." (Aerosmith, "Train Kept A-Rollin'," 1974)
"I think I can, I think I can." (The Little Engine That Could, 1930) - This iconic phrase is associated with a train.
"I like trains." (From the viral "I Like Trains" internet meme)
"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people to gather wood, and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry) - This implicitly refers to the need to "train" people's desire.
"A mind is like a parachute. It doesn't work if it is not open." (Frank Zappa) - This speaks to the need to "train" one's mind to be receptive.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, Biblical)
"Life is like a train ride." (Common analogy, widely used)
"No one is born a great cook, one learns by doing." (Julia Child) - This refers to the "training" involved in culinary skills.
"You never truly understand a person until you consider things from his point of view... until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird, 1960) - This speaks to the empathy that requires a certain "train" of thought.
"The train doesn't stop here anymore." (Lesser-known, but often used metaphorically for progress leaving things behind)
Etymology
The word "train" has a couple of different origins that contribute to its various meanings today!
"Train" as in a railway vehicle or a long trailing part (like a dress train):
This comes from the Old French word trahiner or trainer.
This Old French word meant "to drag," "to draw," "to pull," or "to lead." It was related to the Latin word trahere, meaning "to draw" or "to pull."
When "train" first appeared in English in the late 13th century (Middle English period), its initial meaning was "a long sequence of things or people following one after another," especially something that was drawn or pulled. Think of a retinue of attendants following someone important.
From this, the sense of a "procession" or "caravan" developed. The specific meaning of a "railway engine and cars" came much later, in the early 19th century, once railways were invented, as it was literally a "train" of carriages being pulled.
"Train" as in to teach or to practice (verb):
This verb sense also comes from the Old French word trainer, but its meaning evolved differently.
The idea here was "to draw" or "to lead" someone towards a goal or a skill.
When "train" first appeared in English as a verb meaning "to bring up, educate, or instruct (a person or animal) in a particular skill or behavior," it was also in the late 13th century. It meant literally "to draw along" or "to lead" someone through a course of instruction.
So, while both main meanings of "train" share a common Old French root related to "drawing" or "pulling," their development into a railway vehicle and the act of teaching followed different paths.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Train
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "train":
Train of thought: A connected series of thoughts or ideas.
To go off the rails: To behave in a wild or uncontrolled way; to deviate from a normal course. (Relates to a train leaving its tracks).
A runaway train: A situation or process that is out of control and accelerating rapidly.
To miss the train: To miss an opportunity. (Similar to "miss the boat")
To get something back on track: To return to a planned or desired course of action after a deviation. (Relates to a train returning to its tracks).
The gravy train: A job or situation that provides a lot of money for little effort.
Ghost train: (Literally) An amusement ride; (Figuratively) a haunting or elusive presence.
Train wreck: A disastrous or chaotic situation; a person who is a mess.
Light at the end of the tunnel: A sign that a difficult period is nearing its end. (Often associated with a train tunnel).
To train the eye/ear: To develop a keen sense of observation or hearing through practice.
To train for a marathon: To prepare physically for a long-distance running race.
A baggage train: (Historical) A convoy of wagons carrying supplies, especially for an army.
To hop on the train: To join a movement or trend. (Synonym for "to get on board")
The wheels of progress: The mechanisms by which advancement occurs. (Metaphorical "train" of progress)
To have someone under strict training: To be disciplined and rigorously taught. (Synonymous with "strict tutelage")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of train from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
