A bookshelf is a piece of furniture that is used to store books and other reading materials. It is a common feature in homes, offices, libraries, and schools. The bookshelf is an important tool for organizing and keeping books in good condition. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and origin of the bookshelf, as well as its associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
A bookshelf is a piece of furniture designed to hold books or other reading materials. It can be a free-standing unit or built into a wall. The bookshelf can be made of wood, metal, or other materials. It can have shelves of varying sizes and heights to accommodate different sizes of books.
Origin
The bookshelf has been around for centuries. The earliest known bookshelves were found in the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii. They were made of marble and were used to store scrolls. In the Middle Ages, bookshelves were often built into the walls of monasteries and churches. They were used to store religious texts and other important documents.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a bookshelf is “a shelf or set of shelves for holding books.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a shelf on which books are kept.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “a piece of furniture with shelves on which you can put books.”
Associations
The bookshelf is associated with reading, learning, education, and knowledge. It is also associated with organization, as it is used to keep books in order. The bookshelf is often seen as a symbol of intellectualism and sophistication.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bookshelf include bookcase, library, book rack, book stand, and book cabinet.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of bookshelf, but some opposite concepts might include disorganization, chaos, and clutter.
The same root words
The word “bookshelf” is a compound word made up of “book” and “shelf.” The word “book” comes from the Old English word “bōc,” which means “book” or “document.” The word “shelf” comes from the Old English word “scealf,” which means “shelf” or “ledge.”
Example Sentences
- She organized her books neatly on the bookshelf.
- The library had rows of bookshelves filled with books.
- He built a custom bookshelf to fit his collection of rare books.
- The bookshelf in the office was overflowing with files and documents.
- She dusted the bookshelf and rearranged the books by genre.