FluencyCraft

lists

"Lists" is a very common English word with a few different uses. As a noun, it refers to a series of items written or spoken one after another. As a verb, it means to write or say items in that way or, in a completely different sense, to tilt to one side. Here are the most useful meanings.

1nouna series of items

A list is a collection of things written or said one after another, usually in a line or numbered order. Think of a shopping list you write down milk, eggs, bread, and so on. That collection of items is a list. 'Lists' is simply the plural, so you can have more than one.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She made two lists before the trip: one for clothes and one for toiletries.

The teacher handed out lists of vocabulary words for the students to study.

He keeps lists of all the books he wants to read.

2verbto write or mention items one by one

When you 'list' things, you name or write them one after another in an organised way. For example, if someone asks what you need from the store, you might list the items: 'I need apples, water, and bread.' The form 'lists' is used when the subject is he, she, or it.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

The report lists all the problems found during the inspection.

She lists her hobbies as reading, cooking, and hiking.

The menu lists over thirty different dishes.

3verbto tilt to one side

This meaning is mostly used for ships and boats. When a ship 'lists', it leans or tilts to one side usually because of damage, uneven weight, or rough water. Imagine a boat slowly leaning to the left. That leaning is called listing.

nautical / sailing · Modern, still in use

The damaged ship lists badly to the port side.

After the collision, the vessel lists at a dangerous angle.

The old boat lists slightly to the right when too many passengers sit on one side.

4nounfigurativea figurative ranking or category

Sometimes 'lists' is used figuratively to talk about rankings, priorities, or categories things that are important or notable in some way. For example, being 'at the top of someone's list' means you are their highest priority.

everyday language / media · Modern, widely used · figurative

Getting a promotion is at the top of her lists of goals this year.

That restaurant is on all the best-of lists in the city.

He appeared on several lists of the most influential scientists of the decade.

Content generated by AI — may contain inaccuracies