Card (noun) — a small flat object that is made of plastic or thick paper, usually, and its main purpose is to give information, confirm identity, or assist in making payments. The most notable usages are ID cards, credit/debit cards, and greeting cards.
How to Pronounce “Card”?
Audio (UK):
Audio (US):
Say the first part like the first syllable in the word “car,” then add a soft d sound at the end. That’s just one beat: card.
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Examples: How to Use “Card” in a Sentence
Look at the “card” description that arises quite naturally in daily life and casual conversations:
What Are Synonyms for the Word “Card”?
Learning words connected with cards helps you talk about payments, identification, and everyday situations with more confidence.
Related nouns: paper pass ticket
Synonyms (contextual): pass badge
Common collocations: bank card ID card credit card
“Card” Word Formation and Description in Context
Look at these common combinations to see how the card is used in simple, real-life English:
With adjectives: plastic card contactless card personal card
With verbs: use a card swipe a card lose a card
With nouns (noun + noun): card number card reader card payment
Idioms and Phrases with “Card”
Some expressions with “card” are very clear and can be used in day-to-day situations, while others are metaphorical and more common in English conversation.
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Pay by card — to pay with a debit or credit card.
She decided topay by card instead of using cash. -
Swipe your card — to process a card through a device to either make a payment or get access.
Heswiped his card to enter the office building. -
Put something on your card — to charge a purchase to a credit card.
I’llput the hotel bill on my card . -
Play your cards right — to use very smart or skillful means to get a good outcome.
If youplay your cards right , you might get the job. -
Show your cards (idiom) — to disclose your strategies or aims.
She waited until the meeting toshow her cards .
Test Your Knowledge of “Card” Meaning
Practice identifying the uses of “card” in various situations and test your comprehension.
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“Card” Word in Other Languages
In three major European languages, how to say “card”?
| Language | Word for “Card” |
|---|---|
Spanish |
Tarjeta |
French |
Carte |
German |
Karte |
Did You Know It? Fun Facts About “Card”
Cards, though they are small objects, have a huge impact on people’s daily lives. Their applications are varied, and among them, the most common are payments and identification.
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The first playing cards in history.
The earliest playing cards that were known can be traced back to China in the 9th century. These cards were not only hand-painted but also utilized in games, fortune-telling, and in teaching, even before the emergence of the present-day card games. -
The first credit card was presented in the 1950s.
This was a credit card that people could use instead of cash, which really helped to change the way people paid for goods and services. -
Identity cards are more than 100 years old.
They were issued by governments to prove citizenship, age, or employment qualifications and thus became the most important means of achieving organization and security.
Famous Quotes Featuring “Card” in English
The concept of cards is a common metaphor for life, choices and our handling of situations. These quotes reveal the way in which writers and philosophers express profound thoughts through this very basic item.
— Jawaharlal Nehru
Explanation: Nehru employs the term “cards” metaphorically for life’s situations. We may not have the option to select what we receive, but still, it is our deeds that will ultimately decide the result.
Explanation: The quote manifests that success is not the outcome of luck, but by making the most of the available opportunities.
— Finley Peter Dunne
Explanation: It seems very funny and reveals that you have to draw the line while you’re smiling and interacting with a person, and trust them until playing a game or making a deal.
