star

/stɑ:/

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The word "star" can be understood in several ways, and it can be used as a noun, verb, or even an adjective. Let’s break it down for you.

1. As a Noun

• Celestial Body: A star is a bright object in the night sky that you can see from Earth. For example, the sun is a star.

  • Example: "Look at all the stars in the sky tonight!"

• Famous Person: A star can also refer to a famous actor, singer, or athlete who is very talented and well-known.

  • Example: "She is a movie star who has won several awards."

• Shape: A star can be a shape with five or more points, often used in decorations or symbols.

  • Example: "He drew a star on the paper."

• Role in a Performance: The term "star" can refer to the main performer in a show, like the lead actor in a movie.

  • Example: "He had the starring role in the play."

2. As a Verb

• To Feature Prominently: To "star" in something means to be the main performer.

  • Example: "She will star in the new television series."

• Marking with an Asterisk: "To star" can also mean to mark something with a star symbol (*), often to highlight or denote something special.

  • Example: "Please star the important points in your notes."

3. As an Adjective

• Leading or Most Important: When used as an adjective, "star" can describe someone or something that is the best or most important in a particular field.
  • Example: "He is a star athlete at his school."

4. Synonyms

• For a celestial star: Celestial body, sun, planet (in a broader sense)
• For a famous person: Celebrity, icon, superstar
• For a main performer: Lead, principal, headliner

5. Different Meanings

• In astronomy, a star is a body of hot gases that emits energy through nuclear reactions in its core.
• In networking, "star" can describe a network topology where all devices connect to a central hub.

6. Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• "Reach for the stars": This means to aim for high goals or ambitions.

  • Example: "If you work hard, you can reach for the stars."

• "Star-studded": This describes an event or production that has many famous people participating.

  • Example: "The star-studded movie premiere attracted a lot of media attention."

7. Word Variants

• Starry: Adjective meaning full of stars or resembling stars.

  • Example: "The starry night was beautiful."

• Stardom: Noun referring to the state of being a star or famous.

Academic

Adjective

1. indicating the most important performer or role
   • the leading man
   • prima ballerina
   • prima donna
   • a star figure skater
   • the starring role
   • a stellar role
   • a stellar performance

Verb

1. mark with an asterisk
   • Linguists star unacceptable sentences
2. be the star in a performance
3. feature as the star
   • The movie stars Dustin Hoffman as an autistic man

Noun

1. the topology of a network whose components are connected to a hub
2. a star-shaped character * used in printing
3. a performer who receives prominent billing
4. a plane figure with 5 or more points; often used as an emblem
5. an actor who plays a principal role
6. any celestial body visible (as a point of light) from the Earth at night
7. someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
8. (astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

Synonyms

• leading
• prima
• star
• starring
• stellar
• asterisk
• star topology
• headliner
• principal
• lead