list
list
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "list" is /lɪst/.
/lɪst/
Word Form Variations
Noun: list (singular), lists (plural)
Verb: list (base form), lists (third person singular present), listing (present participle), listed (past simple, past participle)
Adjective: listed (often as a past participle, e.g., "listed building")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A series of names, words, or items written, printed, or arranged consecutively.
Synonyms: catalog, register, roll, inventory, compilation, roster
Antonyms: jumble, mess, disorder, heap, pile
Definition 2: (Nautical, archaic) A strong, quick inclination to one side; a tilt or lean, as of a ship.
Synonyms: tilt, lean, cant, roll, incline, heel
Antonyms: upright, level, stable, straight
Definition 3: (Obsolete/Rare) A strip of cloth or selvage.
Synonyms: strip, band, border, selvage
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific archaic use)
Verb
Definition 1: To make a list of; to enumerate or itemize.
Synonyms: itemize, enumerate, catalog, register, record, tally
Antonyms: omit, disregard, remove, ignore
Definition 2: To include in a list.
Synonyms: include, register, record, cite, feature
Antonyms: exclude, omit, delete, remove
Definition 3: (Nautical) To lean or tilt to one side, as a ship.
Synonyms: tilt, lean, cant, heel, roll, incline
Antonyms: straighten, right, level, stabilize
Definition 4: (Archaic or poetic) To desire or choose; to please (often used impersonally).
Synonyms: wish, desire, choose, please
Antonyms: displease, disinclined, reluctant (as in not listing to)
Adjective
Definition 1: Included on a formal list; officially designated or registered. (As in "listed company," "listed building")
Synonyms: registered, official, cataloged, recognized, enrolled
Antonyms: unlisted, unofficial, unregistered, excluded
Examples of Use
Books:
"She meticulously wrote a list of all the ingredients needed for the grand feast." (Fictional example from a recipe book or novel)
"The bibliography provided a comprehensive list of sources for further research on ancient Roman architecture." (From a non-fiction academic text)
"The old ship had a significant list to starboard after the storm, making navigation perilous." (From a historical maritime novel)
Newspapers:
"The government released a list of new regulations aimed at curbing inflation." ("The Standard,")
"Kenya Airways announced that several new destinations have been added to its flight list for the upcoming holiday season." ("Daily Nation,")
"The stock exchange saw record gains, with technology companies dominating the top ten list of performers." ("The Wall Street Journal,")
Online Publications:
"Our ultimate travel packing list for your next safari adventure in Kenya." (An article on a travel blog, e.g., "Lonely Planet Online,")
"Developers often list their open-source projects on platforms like GitHub to collaborate with others." (A tech article on "ZDNet,")
"The popular streaming service released a new list of trending movies for July." (A news update on "Netflix Blog,")
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I've made a list of all the things we need to do to stop the villain." (Dialogue from an action or adventure film, e.g., "Mission: Impossible")
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must complete every item on this shopping list within thirty minutes." (Instructions on a reality competition show, e.g., "Survivor" or a cooking show)
Song Lyrics: "I've got a long list of ex-lovers, they'll tell you I'm insane." (From Taylor Swift's song "Blank Space," 2014)
Video Games: "Your quest list has been updated. New objective: Defeat the Goblin King." (In-game notification in an RPG, e.g., "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim")
Podcasts: "In this episode, we list our top five favorite conspiracy theories and explain why they're so compelling." (A podcast host introducing a segment, e.g., "Stuff They Don't Want You To Know")
General Public Discourse:
"Did you remember to add milk to the grocery list?" (A common question among family members)
"I need to list these old books on eBay to sell them." (A casual statement about selling items)
"Can you list all the benefits of joining this club?" (A request for information)
"The boat started to list heavily to one side as the waves grew larger." (Describing a dangerous situation at sea)
"He made a list of pros and cons before making his decision." (A common planning strategy)
10 Famous Quotes Using List
“I always have a to-do list in my mind, so that’s my excuse for not keeping a written one.” – Keri Russell
“I have a list a mile long of things I want to do, and every day I want to do something new.” – Ang Lee
“Make a list of things that make you happy. Make a list of things you do every day. Compare the lists. Adjust accordingly.” – Dallas Clayton
“A bucket list is a reminder of the things that light your soul on fire.” – Unknown
“I don’t keep a bucket list. I’m open to anything.” – John Scalzi
“If you want to get things done, you make a list. If you want to be successful, you live by it.” – Anonymous
“Being organized isn’t about being perfect; it’s about customizing your whole world to work for you.” – Christina Scalise, Organize Your Life and More
“I write down everything I want to do, and I check it off the list.” – Denzel Washington
“The greatest gift you can give yourself is a little bit of your own attention. Start with a gratitude list.” – Oprah Winfrey
“Don’t prioritize your schedule. Schedule your priorities. Make a list of what really matters.” – Stephen Covey
Etymology
The word "list" has a couple of different origins that contribute to its various meanings today.
"List" as in a Series or Catalog (Noun & Verb):
This is the most common meaning. It comes from the Old English word liste, which itself was borrowed from a Germanic source (like Old High German lista).
Originally, this word referred to a "strip or border of cloth," specifically the selvage or edge of woven fabric. Imagine the narrow, finished edge of a piece of cloth.
The first known use of "list" in English with this meaning of a "strip" or "border" dates back to before the 12th century (Old English period).
From this idea of a narrow strip, it evolved to mean a "strip of paper" and then, by the late 14th century, to mean "a systematic series of items written down," like a catalog or register. The connection is the visual arrangement of items in a row, like a border.
"List" as in a Tilt or Lean (Noun & Verb - often nautical):
This meaning comes from a completely different source: the Old Norse word lista, which meant "to border" or "to make a strip." (Interestingly, still related to strips, but its application diverged.)
However, the nautical sense of "list" (to lean or tilt) emerged from a related, but distinct, development, possibly from a Low German root.
The first known use of "list" in English with this meaning of "a leaning or tilt (especially of a ship)" appeared around the 17th century.
So, while both meanings are now "list," they have different historical paths, with the "series of items" meaning being much older and more widespread, stemming from the idea of a "strip."
Phrases + Idioms Containing List
Shopping list: A written list of items to be purchased.
To-do list: A list of tasks to be completed.
Blacklist: A list of people or things disapproved of or to be avoided.
Wish list: A list of desired things.
Waiting list: A list of people waiting for something that is not immediately available.
Bucket list: A list of experiences or achievements one hopes to have or accomplish before dying.
On the list: Included in a particular group or category.
Hit list: A list of targets for elimination or attack.
Reading list: A list of books or articles to be read for a course or for general interest.
End of the list: The final item or point in a series.
To list out: To enumerate or articulate items one by one.
Checking off the list: The act of completing tasks or acquiring items from a list. (Synonym for "progressing through tasks")
A mental list: An unwritten inventory kept in one's mind.
The common list: Referring to everyday items or concerns that frequently appear. (Original phrase)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of list from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
