carry
verb (transitive)
UK/ˈkær.i/US/ˈkær.i/
to lift or support something while moving it from one place to another
Example Sentences
I often carry groceries in a reusable bag to reduce waste.
Could you help me carry this table upstairs?
He had to carry the injured player off the field during the match.
She always carries an umbrella in case of unexpected rain.
We decided to carry our suitcases rather than drag them across the rough pavement.
The soldiers had to carry heavy backpacks on their long march.
During the hike, she bravely volunteered to carry the supplies for the entire group, even though the trail was steep and the bags were quite heavy.
If you don’t balance the load correctly, trying to carry too many boxes at once can strain your muscles and cause a serious injury.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
UK/ˈkær.i/US/ˈkær.i/
an act of transporting or transferring something from one place to another; in sports, a run or drive carrying the ball
Example Sentences
He took a long carry across midfield before passing the ball.
In American football, each successful carry helps the offense gain yards.
Her strong arms ensured the carry of several heavy boxes in a single trip.
The running back ended the game with more than twenty carries.
A proper carry in basketball requires dribbling without pausing your hand underneath the ball.
They measured the water’s carry distance in the irrigation system to calculate efficiency.
Although the team's strategy focused on short passes, the running back’s breakaway carry near the end of the game surprised everyone and led them to victory.
A lengthy carry in hiking can become exhausting if you’re not accustomed to balancing a heavy backpack and navigating steep terrain for hours on end.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
To move or support something, physically or figuratively, from one point to another.Use “carry” when you need to indicate that someone or something is lifting, holding, or transporting an object or concept. Literally, you might say, “I’ll carry these boxes upstairs,” emphasizing a physical action. Figuratively, it can show supporting or taking responsibility—“She had to carry the whole project on her own,” meaning she bore the burden or led the effort. In grammar, “carry” often takes a direct object—“They carry groceries,” “He carried the secret in his heart.” Sometimes you see it in phrasal verbs like “carry on” (continue) or “carry out” (execute a plan). In more abstract senses, you can note emotional or intellectual carrying—“He carries a lot of guilt,” or “That idea carries weight.” Depending on context, “carry” might underscore physical effort (hauling luggage), mental capacity (carrying knowledge), or responsibility (carrying a team). Paired with context—destination, reason, or who is involved—“carry” typically signals movement or support. Whether referencing literal toting of objects, leading a group through challenges, or even shipping inventory, “carry” helps convey the action of moving or holding something in a steady, purposeful way.
Alternatives
To avoid overusing “carry,” try synonyms that focus on how and why something is being moved. “Transport” or “convey” might suit more formal writing—“They transported supplies to the site.” “Bear” highlights endurance or a burden—“He bore the weight of responsibility.” “Tote” is more casual or colloquial—“She toted her books around campus.” If referencing intangible burdens, “shoulder” can underscore taking on a duty—“He shouldered the team’s expectations.” For quick tasks, “bring” or “take” might simplify—“Bring the groceries in,” “Take the file to your boss.” When focusing on the method—like “hoist” or “lug”—you highlight strain or effort: “He lugged the heavy suitcase up the stairs.” Each choice pinpoints the manner and intensity of movement: “convey” for precision, “tote” for lightness, “lug” for hefty burdens. Selecting from these depends on the formality, nuance, or emphasis you need in describing how someone is holding, moving, or bearing an object or responsibility.
Writing
In writing, “carry” can add clarity to scenes describing motion or the distribution of responsibilities. If you’re setting up a narrative moment—“She carried the tray into the dining room”—it frames a physical action, letting readers visualize who moves what and where. For heavier or more emotional contexts, “carry” can underscore burdens or key roles—“He carried the weight of the war’s memories for decades.” In expository or technical pieces, specifying how something is ‘carried’ might detail logistics: “Drones carry medical supplies to remote areas.” Use synonyms like “transport,” “convey,” or “tote” if repetition drags, or if you want a distinct emphasis on effort or method. Watch for clarity: if referencing intangible ideas or loads, add context so readers know you mean metaphorical burdens (“carry guilt,” “carry a secret”). If you’re describing leadership or collaboration—“She carried the team to victory”—explain what actions made her the driving force, like strategic decisions or extraordinary skill. Finally, watch for vividness: describing posture, weight, or the environment can enrich how “carry” feels—“He carefully carried the ancient vase through the crowded gallery, heart pounding.” This pairing of internal thoughts or external detail brings tension or gentleness to a simple verb, helping scenes resonate more strongly with readers.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “carry” pops up anytime you talk about moving objects or bearing loads—“Can you carry the groceries for me?” or “I’ll carry the baby while you unlock the door.” You might also hear it in phrases like “carry on,” which suggests continuing what you’re doing. If you feel a friend is doing a lot of work in a group project, you could say “You’re carrying the whole team!” meaning they’re shouldering the majority of the effort. For intangible or emotional contexts, you might notice, “He still carries a grudge against his ex,” implying unresolved anger. In sporty or gaming lingo, “carry” can mean one player is doing most of the heavy lifting—“He totally carried us in that match.” It’s also in instructions or casual requests: “Could you carry this upstairs?” or “Remember to carry the keys with you.” Because it’s so universal, context helps listeners know whether you’re describing a physical load, an emotional burden, or active teamwork support. If you sense you’re saying “carry” a lot, swap in simpler terms like “bring,” “take,” or “help with.” But generally, “carry” feels natural, everyday, and direct, making it easy to slip into errands, group tasks, or personal confessions about emotional loads you’re ‘carrying.’
Etymology
The English word “carry” arises from Anglo-French “carier,” meaning ‘to transport in a vehicle,’ and from Old North French “carier,” linked to the Latin “carrus” (wagon). Early usage revolved around the idea of moving goods via cart or wagon. Over time, this notion broadened from physically hauling items to more figurative senses—like bearing responsibilities, transferring intangible qualities, or leading teams. Middle English writings show transitions from literal hauling (with horse-drawn wagons) to a range of metaphorical uses (carrying out tasks or burdens). By modern usage, “carry” spans everyday chores—toting items—to conceptual burdens—carrying guilt, secrets, or the weight of leadership. Today’s expansions in sports, gaming, and technology also keep it alive, whether referencing a star player ‘carrying’ a team or a device that can ‘carry’ data. Its historical link to the Latin “carrus” reminds us that moving loads—whether on carts or personal strength—has shaped civilizations’ daily tasks, reflecting how language evolves with technology, trade, and cultural practices. The metaphorical leaps reaffirm how essential the concept of bearing or transferring is to human activity, from carting produce centuries ago to carrying intangible burdens in modern daily life.