water

Everyday

1. Water is the clear liquid in rivers, lakes, rain and the sea; people, animals and plants need it to live. tree →
2. To water plants is to give them water. tree →
3. Your eyes or mouth water when tears or spit come. tree →
4. «Waters» can mean a sea or a lake area. tree →
5. To water something down is to add water so it is weaker, or to make an idea or a rule less strong. tree →
6. (casual) «In hot water» means in trouble; «like a fish out of water» means uncomfortable; «water under the bridge» means it is over and forgiven. tree →
7. (euphemism) «Make water», «pass water» (old, formal) mean to wee; «her waters broke» means a baby is about to be born. tree →
8. (formal) Exams and science say «H2O», «aqueous», «a volume of liquid», «a quantity of water» and «potable water» (safe to drink). tree →

In the lessons

an amount measured in cups, liters or bottles; to water plants; in science, water freezes into ice and boils into steam; phrases «a glass of water», «drink water», «under water», «in hot water» (in trouble), «water cycle», «tap water»; in casual talk «grab us a water», «chuck some water on it», «water under the bridge»; in rough talk «you're in hot water now, mate», «get out of the bloody water»; in the exam voice «a volume of 2 litres of water», «potable water», «the aqueous solution»

Examples

• She drinks 8 cups of water a day. tree →
• Each bottle holds 2 liters of water. How much water in all? tree →
• He waters 12 plants. tree →
• Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius. tree →
• The smell of cookies made my mouth water. tree →
• Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth. tree →
• Fish breathe under water with their gills. tree →
• The water cycle moves water from the sea to the clouds. tree →
• Grab us 3 waters, mate, one each. tree →
• You're in hot water now, you broke Mum's vase. tree →
• A vessel contains 6 litres of potable water; 2 litres are subsequently consumed. Ascertain the volume remaining. tree →
• Never swim in deep water without an adult. tree →

Note

The thing measured; the unit is cups, liters or bottles. «a day» makes a rate. Trap: «waters plants» counts plants, not water. «Water» is uncountable: «some water», «a glass of water»; «3 waters» in a café means 3 glasses or bottles. Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius and boils at 100 degrees Celsius. «in hot water» means in trouble, not a temperature. Safety: always swim where a lifeguard or adult can see you.

In Jewish tradition

In the Torah, water is life and also a cleansing, as in the Flood, the Sea, and the washing of priests. In the Prophets and Writings it is also what the thirsty need, and a picture of things God controls.

Interpretation. Water is one of the three "mothers" in Sefer Yetzirah. Tradition compares the Torah to water, and ritual washing and the mikveh use water for purity. Isaiah's call to bring water to the thirsty is read as a duty of kindness.

Examples

• Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered. (Torah GEN.7.20, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the waters prevailed upon the earth a hundred and fifty days. (Torah GEN.7.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water. (Torah LEV.8.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• Can the reed-grass grow without water? (Writings JOB.8.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• Who hath bound the waters in his garment? (Writings PRO.30.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• Unto him that is thirsty bring ye water! (Prophets ISA.21.14, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

The thing measured; the unit is cups, liters or bottles. «a day» makes a rate. Trap: «waters plants» counts plants, not water. «Water» is uncountable: «some water», «a glass of water»; «3 waters» in a café means 3 glasses or bottles. Water freezes at 0 degrees Celsius and boils at 100 degrees Celsius. «in hot water» means in trouble, not a temperature. Safety: always swim where a lifeguard or adult can see you.