Basic Details
Word: Rut
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A groove or track made by the repeated motion of wheels or animals; also, a state of stagnant or unproductive behaviour.
Synonyms: Groove, track, trough
Antonyms: Innovation, progress
Idioms and Phrases
- Stuck in a rut: To be in a situation that is boring or does not change. Example: "After working at the same job for five years, I felt I was stuck in a rut."
- Out of the rut: To find a way to change or improve a stagnant situation. Example: "She tried new hobbies to get out of the rut she was in."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The old car had left a deep rut in the muddy road after heavy rain.
Example 2: He realised he was stuck in a rut and decided it was time to learn a new skill.
Example 3: The deer made a rut in the ground as it rested beside the stream.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "rut" originates from the Middle English word 'route', which referred to a trench or groove? It has been used in both literal and metaphorical contexts since the late 15th century!
Famous Quote
"The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterdays logic." Peter Drucker
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "rut" mean?
a) A type of tree
b) A groove or track
c) A kind of bird
d) A type of fish
Answer: b) A groove or track
2. Which of these is a synonym of "rut"?
a) Groove
b) Peak
c) River
d) Sky
Answer: a) Groove
3. What is the opposite of being "stuck in a rut"?
a) Stagnation
b) Innovation
c) Routine
d) Indifference
Answer: b) Innovation
4. Which sentence uses "rut" correctly?
a) The car got stuck in a rut on the road.
b) The artist was in a rut and could not paint.
c) She climbed out of the rut and ran away.
d) The rut sang beautifully.
Answer: a) The car got stuck in a rut on the road.
5. What does it mean to be "out of the rut"?
a) To find a way to change a stagnant situation
b) To dig a new groove
c) To travel in a straight line
d) To stay in a boring routine
Answer: a) To find a way to change a stagnant situation
