ad

Everyday

1. An ad is short for advertisement: a picture, video, poster or message that tries to get people to buy something or do something. tree →
2. A small ad (classified ad) is a short notice in a newspaper or online to sell something or find a job, a home or a lost pet. tree →
3. In scholarly notes, ad is a Latin word meaning "at" or "to", as in "ad fin." meaning "at the end". tree →

In the lessons

In media lessons pupils learn how ads work: catchy slogans, bright colours, famous people, and tricks like «limited offer». Safety lessons warn about online ads that are scams or that pop up in games. In everyday life ads are on TV, YouTube, buses and billboards. Phrases: «an ad for», «a TV ad», «pop-up ad», «ad break», «skip the ad».

Examples

• I saw an ad for a new cereal on TV. tree →
• We had to watch an ad before the video. tree →
• Ads use bright colours to catch your eye. tree →
• Don't click on pop-up ads in games. tree →
• Dad put an ad online to sell our old bike. tree →
• Our class made an ad for the school fair. tree →
• There was an ad on the side of the bus. tree →
• The ad said «free», but you had to pay to play. tree →

Note

Countable: an ad, ads. Informal short form; formal: advertisement; UK also «advert». Homophone: «add» (put numbers together, +) sounds the same — in maths you «add», not «ad». Rule for pupils: ads want you to buy; ask whether the claim is true.

In Jewish tradition

In Isaiah, "ad" is a Hebrew word meaning "forever" or "eternity". It is part of a name given to a promised child, "Abi-ad", often read "Father of eternity".

Interpretation. Tradition reads this verse as describing a future king of Israel, and the name as praise of God who gives him his rule.

Examples

• For a child is born unto us, a son is given unto us; and the government is upon his shoulder; and his name is called Pele-joez-el-gibbor-Abi-ad-sar-shalom; (Prophets ISA.9.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable: an ad, ads. Informal short form; formal: advertisement; UK also «advert». Homophone: «add» (put numbers together, +) sounds the same — in maths you «add», not «ad». Rule for pupils: ads want you to buy; ask whether the claim is true.