WordVale

the bar

/bɑːr/  ·  say it: bahr

the legal profession, or qualification to practice law

In Law & Justice

In more detail

1. (noun) a long piece of solid material, such as metal or wood

2. (noun) a counter where drinks and food are served

3. (noun) a rod or stick used to keep something closed or in place

4. (noun) a unit used to measure pressure

5. (expression) to block or prevent something from happening

Examples

• 1. He lifted the iron bar above his head.
• 2. We met our friends at the bar for drinks.
• 3. She pushed the bar across the window to lock it.

How to use the bar

The word 'bar' is highly polysemous with distinct senses: as a concrete object (metal bar, wooden bar), as a drinking establishment or its counter (working behind the bar), and as a verb meaning to obstruct or prohibit (bar someone from entering). Context determines which meaning applies. In figurative use, 'raise the bar' means to set higher standards.

Common phrases

• behind the bar
• at the bar
• bar stool
• raise the bar
• bar food
• chocolate bar

Synonyms

rod · stick · beam · counter · barrier

Word family

barred · barring · barkeeper · bartender

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse 'bar' as a verb (meaning to prevent or block) with 'ban,' though bar is somewhat more formal and can refer to physical blocking whereas ban emphasizes official prohibition.

Nearby in Law & Justice

alibi, amnesty, bail, bylaw, contempt of court, counsel

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained