hinge

Language: en

🇬🇧 /ˈhɪndʒ/ 🇺🇸 /ˈhɪndʒ/

📖 Definitions

  1. noun
    A movable joint or mechanism on which a door, gate, lid, or other object turns or swings when opening or closing.; A central point, principle, or circumstance on which something depends or turns.; A natural joint, such as that of a bivalve shell, allowing parts to open and close.; A stamp hinge: a small piece of gummed paper used to affix a postage stamp to an album page.
  2. verb
    To attach or fit with a hinge; to cause to swing or turn as on a hinge.; To depend on or be contingent upon something.

🔗 Details

Word forms

countable Plural: hinges 3rd sing.: hinges Past: hinged Past part.: hinged Pres part.: hinging

Collocations

hinge onhinge upondoor hingeoff its hingeshinge joint

Derivatives

hingedunhinged

Synonyms

pivotjointaxisdepend onturn onrest on

Commonly confused

jamb
EN: 'jamb' is the vertical side frame of a door, while 'hinge' is the mechanical device that allows the door to swing.
pivot
EN: 'pivot' emphasizes a central point of rotation, while 'hinge' refers to the physical joint or the figurative dependence on something.

Spelling tips

EN: Remember to drop the silent 'e' when adding '-ing' (hinging, not hingeing). The past tense 'hinged' retains the 'e' before '-d'.

💬 Examples

  1. The door squeaked because the hinge was rusty.

  2. The success of the plan hinges on public support.

  3. The hinge of the clam shell was intact.

  4. Collectors prefer mint stamps without hinges.

  5. The cabinet door was hinged on the left side.

  6. The outcome hinges on whether the witness testifies.