shot

/ʃɔt/

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The word "shot" is a versatile term in English with several meanings and uses. Let’s break it down for you!

Basic Definition:

1. Noun: A "shot" can refer to an attempt or effort to do something. For example, "He gave it his best shot" means he tried his hardest.
2. Noun: It can also mean a blow or hit that can cause injury, like "He took a shot to the leg."
3. Noun: In sports, it refers to an attempt to score, such as a basketball shot.
4. Noun: In photography, a "shot" means a photograph, like "I took a shot of the sunset."
5. Noun: A small amount of liquor, like "He poured a shot of whiskey."
6. Noun: It can also refer to a vaccination, like "The nurse gave him a flu shot."
7. Verb: "To shoot" means to fire a gun or take a photograph.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "shot" when talking about an attempt, a hit, or a photograph.
• In conversations, it is often used informally, especially when talking about trying something new or taking a risk.

Examples:

• Attempt: "I’ll give it a shot!"
• Injury: "He received a shot in the arm during the game."
• Photograph: "I took a quick shot of my friend."
• Alcohol: "Let’s have a shot of tequila!"
• Vaccination: "I need to get my flu shot this year."

Advanced Usage:

• Idiomatic Expressions:

  • "Take a shot at something" means to try something. For example, "I’ll take a shot at solving this puzzle."
  • "Parting shot" is an aggressive remark made before leaving a situation.

• Phrasal Verb: "Shoot for" means to aim for something. For example, "I’m shooting for a promotion at work."

Word Variants:

• Adjective: "Shot" can describe something that is varied in color, like "shot silk," which changes color from different angles.
• Related Nouns: "Shooting" refers to the act of firing a gun or taking pictures.

Different Meanings:

• Sports: "Shot" can refer to a specific type of throw or kick in various sports (e.g., shot put).
• Medical: It can refer to the act of giving an injection or vaccination.

Academic

Adjective

1. varying in color when seen in different lights or from different angles
   • changeable taffeta
   • chatoyant (or shot) silk
   • a dragonfly hovered, vibrating and iridescent

Noun

1. the launching of a missile or spacecraft to a specified destination
2. informal words for any attempt or effort
   • he gave it his best shot
   • he took a stab at forecasting
3. an attempt to score in a game
4. a blow hard enough to cause injury
   • he is still recovering from a shot to his leg
   • I caught him with a solid shot to the chin
5. an explosive charge used in blasting
6. sports equipment consisting of a heavy metal ball used in the shot put
   • he trained at putting the shot
7. an informal photograph; usually made with a small hand-held camera
   • my snapshots haven't been developed yet
   • he tried to get unposed shots of his friends
8. an estimate based on little or no information
9. an aggressive remark directed at a person like a missile and intended to have a telling effect
   • his parting shot was `drop dead'
   • she threw shafts of sarcasm
   • she takes a dig at me every chance she gets
10. a small drink of liquor
    • he poured a shot of whiskey
11. the act of putting a liquid into the body by means of a syringe
    • the nurse gave him a flu shot
12. a consecutive series of pictures that constitutes a unit of action in a film
13. a person who shoots (usually with respect to their ability to shoot)
    • he is a crack shot
    • a poor shooter
14. a chance to do something
    • he wanted a shot at the champion
15. (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
    • it took two strokes to get out of the bunker
    • a good shot requires good balance and tempo
    • he left me an almost impossible shot
16. a solid missile discharged from a firearm
    • the shot buzzed past his ear
17. the act of firing a projectile
    • his shooting was slow but accurate

Synonyms

• changeable
• chatoyant
• iridescent
• blastoff
• stab
• snapshot
• snap
• guess
• guesswork
• guessing
• dead reckoning
• shaft
• slam
• dig
• barb
• jibe
• gibe
• nip
• injection
• scene
• shooter
• crack
• stroke
• pellet
• shooting