What does the English word 'DRAG' mean? - English Addict with Mr Duncan

Here is an interesting way of expressing an action and a feeling.

We might use this word to describe the movement

or the position of an object as it is being moved.

It could also be used to describe the feeling of an event or situation

seemingly going on forever and ever.

The word is ‘drag’.

As a verb the word drag means move or transport something,

normally an object that is too heavy to carry.

Instead of lifting the object up, you drag it along the ground,

normally whilst still holding onto it.

A heavy object that is difficult to hold

might be dragged along as a way of moving it.

You drag something along the ground.

You are dragging it. It is being dragged.

You might also drag something because carrying it would be too much trouble.

To carry something or move in a lazy way.

You might drag your feet as you walk.

You might drag your backpack along behind you because you are too tired to carry it.

An event or situation that seems to be going by very slowly can be said to ‘drag’.

A long lecture that seems to be going on

for a ‘very long’ time might be described as ‘dragging by’.

A boring thing that must be endured, might ‘drag on’ for too long.

As a noun, you might say that particular event is, or was a drag.

A boring person might be described as a drag.

“Don't invite him to the party, he is such a drag.”

Once again, as a verb,

we might use the word drag to describe the action of spoiling or ruining something.

To drag a person or their reputation through the mud... (figuratively)

means their good name or reputation is being questioned.

You might drag something down by holding onto it.

To drag someone under the water.

To pull something along in a certain direction is drag.

You might drag someone around the shop.

In this situation, we are using the word figuratively to express movement.

“She dragged me around the shopping centre looking for new clothes.”

In this type of sentence, we are normally suggesting

that we are being forced to do something that we would much rather not do.

Once again, as a noun, the word ‘drag’ can refer to resistance caused by movement.

For example, the speed of a moving object is affected by drag.

So as you can see, this rather simple word can be used in many different ways.

I hope this lesson has not been a drag.

I hope the time you spent watching it did not drag by.