to couch

Examples

• All

• In dealing with controversy, it often helps to couch the issue in personal terms.

  Academic text (2013)

• People tend to find all sorts of gray areas in which to couch their answers.

  The Experiment (2010)

• So, you know, when I say trade off, I want to kind of couch that in.

• - Well, fine, just make sure you couch everything in general terms.

  Nuclear Hurricane (2007)

• Second, the things I say here, although we're going to tape them, I have to couch very carefully.

• But the arguments were always couched in data.

  Lex Fridman

• Surely a man of your erudition can properly couch such a wish.

  Wishmaster 3: Beyond the Gates of Hell (2001)

• You'd rather ignore the social fact and couch everything in terms of the individuals?

  Fiction book (1994)

• His recommendations were couched in measured tones, not in the angry rhetoric of his task force.

  Academic text (1990)

• His ambition is novel and grand, though often couched in language that implies support for longstanding policies.

  Academic text (2011)

Synonyms

P

to put

vsto couch

∞ 1.4

Say or write something in a particular way

emphasizes deliberate careful choice of language more than general arrangement

F

to frame

vsto couch

132 3.9

To make the main structure and details of a plan or idea

focuses on careful choice of language rather than overall structure

P

to phrase

vsto couch

46 3.9

To choose words to say something clearly

is more about careful, deliberate choice of language than general stating

W

to word

vsto couch

44 4.9

To say something in a particular way

focuses more on careful or delicate choice of language than mere clarity

W

to word it

vsto couch

27 5.8

To say or write something in a certain way

uses extra care or deliberate tone when stating that idea

E

express

vsto couch

13 3.9

Clearly and directly stated without leaving anything unspoken

is used when wording is chosen carefully rather than only being clear

Phrasal Verbs

S

to snuggle on the couch

• Informal

1 3.7

Cuddle or lie close together on a couch for warmth and affection

V

to veg on the couch

• Informal

1 8.9

To relax and do nothing while sitting or lying on a couch

Compounds

C

couch potato

• Informal

11 4.3

A person who sits or lies down a lot, usually watching television

C

casting couch

• Offensive

3 7.7

Asking for sex from someone who wants an acting job in return for a role

C

couch grass

• UK

1 7.5

A European grass with long underground roots that spreads quickly and becomes a common weed

C

covered couch

• Archaic

9.9

A seat carried by people or animals that has a cover for privacy

S

studio couch

3.7

A couch that turns into a double bed

How Careful

to state

∞ 1.6

to couch

• Formal

15 7.2

to phrase

46 3.9

to express

∞ 2.3

to say

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology