What does it mean to know a word? Allowing the arrival of the new season to set the context, let's try and analyse the word "spring".

Firstly, "spring" plays its part in speech as a noun. However, we can convert it to another word class by adding the suffix "pre" to it, "pre-spring", making it an adjective.

In an example: The pre-spring sale was held to clear all the old stock before the launch of the new fashion collection.

Furthermore, "spring" is considered a countable noun. In this next example, I use it as a singular noun: Every spring, he goes back to visit his parents.

"Spring" is also commonly used together with other words. These are referred to as the collocations of the word "spring". Here are some examples: spring crop; spring equinox; spring cleaning; spring thaw.

Thinking of "spring" in general, a whole lot of other words related to it come to mind. These form its register of words. For example: blossom, flourish, picturesque, rejuvenate.

"Spring" is a word that is neutral in style. This means it has neither a formal nor informal feature. It is also used similarly in both the spoken and written forms.

"Spring" has a positive connotation. We tend to associate it with good. After all, spring is about new beginnings. It brings with it a fresh vibe of joy and love for life.

I'm not too sure about the opposite of "spring". Would you say it's "autumn" or "winter"? But, I learnt "spring" has a synonym in "prime temps" as well as "prime time" and "prime tide". In Italian, spring is known as "primavera". (source: article by Katy Steinmetz https://time.com/32042/equinox-first-day-of-spring-words/)

"Spring" falls under the umbrella term of "season" along with "summer", "winter" and "autumn". I've featured "spring" in this context today. If you wish, you can look up the other meanings of "spring" and springboard into another analysis of your own. Have fun!

Reference: British Council resources, CELTA course


Postscript added on 10 Oct 2023: Note: Thank you to those who have written to let me know you enjoy reading my column but daren't take a lesson because there are parts you don't really understand. I assure you we'll always speak at a level which suits you so that we can enjoy a casual conversation. Also, we can go through words and sentences that are difficult so that we learn together. Perhaps, they will be easy then and we'll always have something to talk about. No stress!