Basic Details
Word: Countdown
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A backwards counting from a number to zero, often used to indicate the time left before an event starts.
Synonyms: Timer, count-off
Antonyms: Count-up
Idioms and Phrases
- Countdown to success: Referring to the final steps leading to achieving a goal. Example: "As the project deadline approached, we were in the countdown to success."
- Hit the ground running: To start something energetic and enthusiastically, often at the start of a countdown. Example: "After the countdown finished, we hit the ground running to complete the race."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The countdown to New Years Eve always brings excitement to the party.
Example 2: We began the countdown before launching the rocket, each number echoing through the control room.
Example 3: The teacher set a countdown for the students to finish their quizzes within the time limit.
Fun Fact
Did you know that countdowns are often used in space missions? They help ensure that everything is ready before the rocket launches and creates thrilling anticipation for spectators!
Famous Quote
"Every countdown, no matter how small, brings us closer to where we want to be." Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "countdown" mean?
a) A number that is counted up
b) A method of counting backwards
c) A type of game
d) A dance move
Answer: b) A method of counting backwards
2. Which of these is a synonym of "countdown"?
a) Count-up
b) Timer
c) Clock
d) Number
Answer: b) Timer
3. What is the opposite of "countdown"?
a) Count-up
b) Number-crunching
c) Count-off
d) Time
Answer: a) Count-up
4. Which sentence uses "countdown" correctly?
a) The countdown helped everyone know when the event would start.
b) The countdown grew slowly as numbers went up.
c) We did a countdown by adding up the numbers.
d) She counted down her way to the finish line while running.
Answer: a) The countdown helped everyone know when the event would start.
5. Which idiom relates to "countdown"?
a) Countdown to success
b) Horse of a different colour
c) The early bird catches the worm
d) As easy as pie
Answer: a) Countdown to success
