grunt

Everyday

1. To grunt is to make a short low sound in your throat, like a pig. tree →
2. A grunt is that sound. tree →
3. People grunt when lifting something heavy, or to answer without words when they are tired or grumpy. tree →
4. (slang) A grunt is a low-ranking soldier or worker who does hard, boring jobs. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, a grunt shows a character is grumpy, tired or straining. Pigs grunt, and so do tennis players hitting hard. «Grunt work» means boring hard work.

Examples

• The pig grunted in the mud. tree →
• Dad grunted as he lifted the sofa. tree →
• My brother just grunts when I ask about school. tree →
• The tennis player grunted with every shot. tree →
• He gave a grunt of agreement. tree →
• I got stuck with all the grunt work. tree →
• But the ugly old Fairy only grunted and made no answer. tree →

Note

Past: grunted. Grunting instead of answering can seem rude.