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V2 Vocabulary Building Dictionary


teem

verb

Definition: 1. to contain a large quantity of something; 2. to pour something out; 3. to rain heavily

Synonyms: abound, overflow, swarm, bustle, burst, pour, shower, empty

Antonyms: lack, fill

Tips: Teem was derived from the Old English teman, "to give birth." Think of something multiplying rapidly or being full of life or activity. Teem is often coupled with the word "with" to refer to a large quantity and "out" to refer to pouring (see usage examples). Teem can also mean "to rain." Teem is synonymous with abound. Since the origin of teem is birth, teem usually refers to large quantities of living things, like people or animals, while abound refers to large quantities of almost anything. To help you remember that teem usually refers to animals and people, think of its homonym team, which is a group of people who work together for a common goal.

Usage Examples:

In the spring, Yellowstone National Park teems with wildlife. (abounds, overflows, bursts)

The bartender will teem out beer and wine at the wedding reception. (pour)

The city streets will teem with animal-rights activists when the beef convention comes to town. (overflow, swarm, bustle)

When salmon are spawning, the river teems with fish. (abouds)


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