run
verb (transitive)
UKrʌnUSrʌn
To manage, operate, or direct a business, organization, or activity; to be in charge of or control something.
Example Sentences
She decided to run her own bakery after graduating from culinary school.
They asked him to run the charity event because of his organizational skills.
He plans to run a tech startup focused on innovative software solutions.
It’s not easy to run a restaurant without prior experience in food service.
They teamed up to run the marketing campaign for the new product launch.
His family has run that bookstore for three generations, serving the local community.
Learning how to effectively run a small business often involves balancing finances, supervising employees, and continuously adapting to market trends.
Although she faced initial setbacks, her determination to run a successful enterprise drove her to seek out expert advice, refine her strategies, and eventually thrive in a competitive market.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
UKrʌnUSrʌn
A continuous sequence, series, or spell of a particular thing, such as a run of successes, a run of performances, or a run of printed copies.
Example Sentences
Their team enjoyed a long run of victories last season.
The new play had an extended run due to high demand for tickets.
They were impressed by the artist’s run of number-one hits.
That café has had a good run, serving local patrons for decades.
The limited run of the special edition sold out in two days.
He’s hoping his run of good luck continues through the rest of the tournament.
The manager credited the company’s record-breaking sales run to a combination of strategic planning, product innovation, and strong customer loyalty.
The band’s upcoming stadium tour might end up being their most successful run ever, with tickets selling out within minutes of release.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
To move swiftly on foot or to operate/manage something.The word 'run' is highly versatile, functioning primarily as both a verb and a noun with a wide array of meanings and applications. As a verb, 'run' can describe the action of moving swiftly on foot, as in 'She likes to run every morning,' emphasizing physical movement and speed. It can also mean to operate or manage something, such as 'He runs his own business,' indicating leadership and control. Additionally, 'run' is used in contexts like 'run a program,' referring to executing software, or 'run for office,' meaning to campaign for a political position. Beyond these, 'run' appears in numerous idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs, including 'run out of' (to exhaust a supply), 'run into' (to encounter unexpectedly), and 'run through' (to practice or review). As a noun, 'run' can refer to a period of consecutive successes, like 'a run of good luck,' or a continuous stretch of something, such as 'a run of bad weather.' Understanding the various contexts in which 'run' can be used is essential for effective communication, as it allows speakers and writers to convey precise meanings whether discussing physical activity, management, technological operations, or abstract concepts. Mastery of the different forms and usages of 'run' enhances both written and spoken language, providing flexibility and depth to expression.
Alternatives
Alternatives to the word 'run' vary based on its different uses and meanings. When used as a verb to describe moving swiftly on foot, alternatives include 'sprint', 'jog', 'dash', 'race', 'hurry', 'speed', 'scamper', 'trot', 'gallop', and 'charge'. For example, instead of saying 'She decided to run to catch the bus,' one could say 'She decided to sprint to catch the bus.' When 'run' refers to operating or managing something, alternatives include 'operate', 'manage', 'administer', 'control', 'direct', 'oversee', 'conduct', 'handle', 'supervise', and 'lead'. For instance, 'He runs a successful company' can be rephrased as 'He manages a successful company.' In technological contexts, such as 'run a program', alternatives include 'execute', 'launch', 'operate', 'initiate', 'start', 'deploy', 'implement', 'control', 'manage', and 'perform'. Additionally, when 'run' is used in idiomatic expressions, the alternatives depend on the specific phrase. For example, 'run out of' can be replaced with 'deplete', 'exhaust', or 'use up', while 'run into' can be substituted with 'encounter', 'meet', or 'bump into'. Choosing the appropriate synonym depends on the context and the specific aspect of 'run' you wish to emphasize, allowing for more precise and varied expression in both written and spoken language.
Writing
When writing, the word 'run' serves as a dynamic verb that can enhance the expressiveness and clarity of your text. Its versatility allows it to be employed in various contexts, whether describing physical actions, managing operations, or conveying abstract concepts. For instance, in narrative writing, 'run' can be used to depict movement and action, such as 'He decided to run through the forest to escape the storm,' which adds a sense of urgency and motion to the scene. In expository or descriptive writing, 'run' can explain processes or operations, like 'The engine runs smoothly at all speeds,' providing clear and concise information about functionality. Additionally, 'run' can introduce idiomatic expressions that enrich the language, such as 'running out of time,' which conveys urgency, or 'running for office,' which denotes ambition and action. In persuasive writing, using 'run' can help articulate goals and initiatives, for example, 'We must run programs that support community growth.' Moreover, 'run' can be used metaphorically to discuss ongoing situations or trends, such as 'The country is running a deficit,' which communicates financial issues effectively. Incorporating 'run' in its various forms and contexts can make your writing more engaging and versatile, allowing for precise and impactful communication across different genres and styles. Understanding the multiple meanings and applications of 'run' enables writers to choose the most appropriate usage, enhancing the depth and effectiveness of their written work.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversations, 'run' is a commonly used word that appears in a variety of contexts, making it a versatile term for expressing different ideas. For example, when discussing physical activity, someone might say, 'I like to run in the park every morning,' referring to the act of jogging or sprinting. When talking about managing responsibilities, a person might mention, 'I run a small online store,' indicating that they manage a business. 'Run' is also frequently used in casual phrases and idioms, such as 'run into a friend,' meaning to meet someone unexpectedly, or 'running late,' which conveys that someone is behind schedule. Additionally, 'run' can describe the operation of devices or systems, like 'My computer is running slow today,' indicating that it's operating inefficiently. In planning or organizing events, someone might say, 'We're running out of time to finish the project,' highlighting time constraints. Moreover, 'run' is used in expressions like 'run errands,' meaning to complete various small tasks or chores, or 'run a marathon,' referring to participating in a long-distance race. Using 'run' in casual dialogue helps convey actions, manage expectations, and describe everyday activities succinctly and effectively. Its adaptability allows for clear and concise communication across a wide range of topics, enhancing both verbal and written interactions in daily life.
Etymology
The word 'run' has its origins in Old English 'rinnan' or 'irnan,' which means 'to flow, run, operate,' and is related to the Proto-Germanic '*rinnaną.' Its roots can be traced back further to the Proto-Indo-European root '*rei-', meaning 'to flow.' Over centuries, 'run' has evolved in the English language to encompass a wide array of meanings, extending beyond the basic sense of moving swiftly on foot. Historically, 'run' has been a fundamental term in describing movement, both physical and metaphorical, and has been integral in the development of various idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs. Its usage has expanded to include operating machinery, managing organizations, and describing continuous actions or processes. The adaptability of 'run' has made it a versatile component of the English lexicon, allowing it to function effectively in diverse contexts ranging from everyday conversation to technical and formal language. Additionally, 'run' has influenced other languages through its extensive use in English-speaking cultures, contributing to its widespread recognition and application. Understanding the etymology of 'run' provides insight into its multifaceted nature and its enduring significance in communication, highlighting its role in expressing movement, operation, and continuity throughout the evolution of the English language.