hinge

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/hɪndʒ/
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A word for a movable joint such as a door hinge, and a verb meaning to depend on an important condition.

Examples

  • The case may hinge on one witness.
  • Their argument hinged on a single assumption.
  • The outcome does not hinge on luck alone.
  • The deal hinges on final approval from the board.
  • The laptop hinge broke after years of use.

Similar words

rely on
flexible joint
rest on
pivot
come down to
turn on
joint
butt hinge
be based on
swivel

Meanings

Movable joint for opening

noun
technical
neutral
A movable joint that attaches a door, lid, gate, or other part and lets it swing or turn.

Usage

Use hinge for doors, cabinets, gates, lids, laptops, and similar mechanical joints. For anatomy, use the fuller term hinge joint when needed.

Examples

  • The door hinge squeaked loudly.
  • She tightened the screws on the cabinet hinge.
  • A rusty hinge made the gate hard to open.
  • The laptop hinge broke after years of use.
  • The box lid turns on a small metal hinge.

Common mistakes

Do not confuse hinge with henge, a word seen in names of ancient stone monuments. The plural is hinges.
IncorrectCorrect
The door hangs on a henge. The door hangs on a hinge.
The hinge opened the door by itself. The hinge allowed the door to open.
A hinge is always made of wood. A hinge is often metal, plastic, or another flexible material.
The door hinge are rusty. The door hinges are rusty.

Similar words

Depend on something important

verb
everyday
neutral
To depend on one important factor, condition, decision, or fact.

Usage

Use hinge on or hinge upon with the factor that controls the result. Hinge on is much more common in modern English.

Examples

  • The case may hinge on one witness.
  • Success will hinge on careful planning.
  • The deal hinges on final approval from the board.
  • Their argument hinged on a single assumption.
  • The outcome does not hinge on luck alone.

Common mistakes

The figurative verb usually needs on, or the more formal upon. Without the preposition, the phrase sounds incomplete.
IncorrectCorrect
The plan hinges of money. The plan hinges on money.
It hinges in whether she agrees. It hinges on whether she agrees.
Success is hinge on luck. Success hinges on luck.
Hinge on means ignore. Hinge on means depend on.

Similar words

Usage

Use the noun for physical hardware. Use the verb pattern hinge on for dependence or deciding factors.

Common mistakes

Hinge on means depend on, not physically hang on a hinge. For the literal object, use a hinge or hinges.

Etymology

From Middle English forms related to hanging or being attached so that something can turn. The figurative sense comes from the idea that a result turns around one central point.

FAQ

What does hinge mean?

As a noun, it is a movable joint on a door or lid. As a verb in hinge on, it means depend on.

What does hinge on mean?

It means depend on an important factor, condition, decision, or fact.

What is the plural of hinge?

The plural is hinges.

Is hinge the same as henge?

No. Hinge is a joint or a verb meaning depend on. Henge refers to ancient circular monuments.

Can you say hinge upon?

Yes, but hinge on is more common in modern English.

What is a synonym for hinge?

For the object, synonyms include joint and pivot. For the verb, synonyms include depend on and rest on.

How do you use hinge in a sentence?

For example: The case may hinge on one witness.

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