swot
/swɔt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb:
- To study a subject very hard, especially just before an examination, often in a concentrated and intensive manner.
Noun:
- (Chiefly British, informal, often derogatory) A person who studies very hard, especially one who is perceived as spending too much time studying and not enough on social activities.
Usage
- Verb: The verb "swot" is used to describe the act of studying intensely, typically for a short period before a test. It often implies cramming.
- Noun: The noun "swot" is used to label a person, usually in a school or university context. It can be a neutral term but often carries a slightly negative or mocking connotation, suggesting the person is boring or overly studious.
Examples
- Verb:
- I need to swot for my history final tomorrow.
- She spent the whole weekend swotting up on chemistry formulas.
- Noun:
- He was always top of the class, a real swot.
- Don't be such a swot—come to the party with us!
Advanced Usage
- "swot up (on something)": A common phrasal verb meaning to study or learn something quickly and intensively.
- I have to swot up on the company's policies before the interview.
- The term is more common in British English than in American English.
Variants and Related Words
- Swotting (n/gerund): The activity of studying hard.
- A weekend of intense swotting left her exhausted.
- Swotty (adj, informal): Describing someone who is like a swot or their behavior.
- He has a bit of a swotty reputation.
Synonyms
- Verb: Cram, bone up, revise (UK), mug up (UK informal), study hard.
- Noun: Grind, bookworm, nerd, diligent student.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Swot up (on): To learn or study something intensively, especially in preparation for something.
- You should swot up on the local customs before you travel.
Related Idioms
- "Swot for an exam": To study hard for a test.
- The entire class was swotting for the exam in the library.
Noun
- an insignificant student who is ridiculed as being affected or boringly studious
Verb
- study intensively, as before an exam
- I had to bone up on my Latin verbs before the final exam