Word: Hill

Pronunciation

/hɪl/

Definitions

• Noun: An elevated area of land, typically smaller than a mountain, usually with a sloping shape rising above the surrounding terrain. For example: “The house was built on the top of a hill overlooking the valley.”
  • Phrase: “Over the hill” which refers to someone who has passed their prime or become too old.
  • “Uphill battle” describes a difficult task or situation that requires considerable effort.
• Verb (archaic): To form hills or mounds; to heap up. For example: “They decided to hill the potatoes by piling soil around the plants.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “We climbed the steep hill to reach the ancient castle ruins.”
• “After reaching the halfway point on our hike, we began our descent down the other side of the hill.”
• “Winning the championship would be an uphill battle for the underdog team.”

Synonyms

• Knoll
• Rise
• Slope
• Mountain slope
• Summit
• Eminence
• Mound
• Acclivity
• Incline

Phrases

• “On the sunny side of the hill” implies being in a fortunate or advantageous position.
• “Head for the hills” means to quickly leave a place, especially to escape danger or trouble.
• “Every dog has his day, but it doesn’t mean he has to climb the hill every day” is a humorous proverb suggesting everyone gets their moment, but not all tasks need to be arduous.

Note: The verb form of ‘hill’ is quite rare in modern English and mostly appears in agricultural contexts or historical literature.