Bed
Definitions
- 1. Noun: A piece of furniture used for sleeping or resting, typically consisting of a mattress and a frame.
- 2. Noun: A place or space in which something is placed or situated, like a bed of flowers or a riverbed.
- 3. Verb: To provide with a bed or bedding; to lay down or settle for rest or sleep.
- 4. Verb: To plant or sow seeds in a particular area or space.
Usage Examples
- After a long day, she went straight to her bed.
- The gardener prepared a bed for the new flowers.
- The hotel room was comfortable, with a large, soft bed.
- He decided to bed the seedlings in the garden.
Etymology
The word "bed" comes from Old English "bedd," meaning "a place to sleep," and is related to the Proto-Germanic "badi" and Old High German "betti," all of which denote a sleeping or resting place.
Synonyms
- Sleeping place
- Mattress
- Couch
- Bunk
- Platform
Translations
Language |
Translation |
Pronunciation |
Spanish |
Cama |
/ˈka.ma/ |
French |
Lit |
/li/ |
German |
Bett |
/bɛt/ |
Italian |
Letto |
/ˈlɛt.to/ |
Chinese (Mandarin) |
床 (Chuáng) |
/ʈʂwɑ̌ŋ/ |
Russian |
Кровать (Krovat') |
/krɐˈvatʲ/ |
Arabic |
سرير (Sareer) |
/saˈriːr/ |
Hindi |
बिस्तर (Bistar) |
/ˈbɪs.tər/ |
Japanese |
ベッド (Beddo) |
/bɛd.dɔː/ |
Korean |
침대 (Chimdae) |
/ˈtʃim.de/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In various dialects of English, the pronunciation of "bed" may slightly vary, with a more pronounced "e" sound in some accents (e.g., British English vs. American English). In other languages, variations are largely regional, depending on the country or region's phonetics.
Historical Usage
Historically, the word "bed" has been used not just to refer to a place to sleep, but also to describe an area for cultivation or planting, such as a "flower bed" or "garden bed." This broader usage stems from the Old English meaning of "a place or area." Over time, the definition narrowed to mostly refer to furniture for sleeping.
Cultural Nuances
The bed holds significant cultural meanings across various societies. In many cultures, it is not only a space for rest but also a symbol of privacy, family, and relationships. For example, the phrase "to make the bed" is a metaphor for preparing oneself for the future, while in some traditions, the concept of a "death bed" symbolizes the end of life's journey.
More Information
Bed designs have evolved greatly over centuries, from simple pallets or mats in ancient civilizations to the complex and comfortable beds used today. The bed has also been a subject of art, literature, and culture, often symbolizing a range of emotions and conditions, such as rest, sickness, intimacy, or even death. With modern advancements, beds now come in a variety of sizes, materials, and forms to cater to diverse human needs and preferences.