hump

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hump' is technically correct and usable in written English, although it may sometimes be considered informal or casual depending on the context.
In a general context, 'hump' is a verb meaning to carry in a laborious manner or to make one's way with difficulty or effort. For example, "With the heavy box, she had to hump it all the way up the stairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

When I mentioned to my young son that there was no word for the shining hump of water that rises above a submerged boulder in a stream, he suggested currentbum.

The Guardian - Books

"A soap opera placed in the setting of a glamorous office where stylish fools hump their appreciative, coiffured secretaries, suck up martinis and smoke themselves to death as they produce dumb lifeless advertising …" He's right – and wrong to be angry.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Then we went to see a camel and I couldn't resist taking a selfie of me and the guy with the hump – come on, it was quite funny.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His first incarnation was as a hump in BPD and nothing summed him up more than this scene.

The Guardian

IF YOU were to draw the path of inflation in the typical big, rich economy over the past half century, your picture would look much like a dromedary's back: a low flat line in the 1960s; a knobbly hump of high and volatile price rises in the 1970s; dramatic disinflation in the 1980s; and low, stable inflation rates since.

The Economist

The nationalist party Svoboda may not make it over the hump.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Meanwhile, a hump-backed whale named Humphrey who'd taken a wrong turn eventually escaped to sea beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, EastEnders made its first appearance and the country decided the Sinclair C5 just wasn't the way to get around.

The Guardian

Happily, he recovered to enjoy the state banquet: the dessert, entitled "a bonsai garden of serenity", featured a hump-backed bridge made out of caffeine-saturated chocolate.

The Economist

In the case of the ECB, we should probably amend the analogy and use the relevant native shaggy hump-backed beast, viz, the wisent.Do wisent wisent wisent as egregiously as buffalo buffalo buffalo?

The Economist

How does Mr Stefanski reach such an alarming figure?Historically, CO2 emissions for a given country have followed a hump-shaped pattern alongside income.

The Economist

Both species, with virtually no feathering on the head, have drab, grayish plumage and are thin-necked, hump-backed, and heavy-billed quite vulture-like in appearance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hump" to describe overcoming a challenge, ensure the context clearly indicates progress and forward momentum.

Common error

Avoid using "hump" in formal writing when referring to sexual acts, as it can be considered vulgar. Use it carefully and be mindful of your audience.

Linguistic Context

The word "hump" functions as both a noun, referring to a rounded projection or mound, and a verb, meaning to carry something heavy or with difficulty. Ludwig AI examples show its use in describing physical features (a camel's hump) and actions (having to hump around batteries).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "hump" can function as both a noun and a verb, with its meaning varying from a physical mound to the act of carrying something with difficulty. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct, though its register can range from neutral to informal, depending on the context and specific usage. It's most commonly found in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "hump", consider your audience and the potential for misinterpretation, especially given its multiple meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

protuberance

Refers to a swelling or protrusion, similar to the physical form of a "hump".

rounded elevation

Describes a raised area, which is a direct synonym related to the physical description of a "hump".

carry a burden

Emphasizes the act of carrying something heavy, akin to the exertion implied when someone has to "hump" something.

overcome an obstacle

Metaphorically represents getting past a difficult point, much like getting over a "hump".

carry with effort

Highlights the struggle involved in carrying, similar to the effort needed to "hump" something heavy.

carry laboriously

Underscores the strenuous nature of carrying, mirroring the effort in "humping" heavy items.

get over the worst

Indicates surpassing a challenging period, like getting over the "hump" in a difficult situation.

shoulder a load

Illustrates bearing a weight or responsibility, akin to the physical act of "humping".

rise

Suggests an upward slope or mound, sharing the physical characteristic of a "hump".

reach a peak

Implies arriving at the highest point, reminiscent of the top of a "hump".

FAQs

How can I use "hump" in a sentence?

You can use "hump" in a sentence to describe a physical mound, as in "The camel has a large "hump" on its back". It can also mean to carry something heavy, as in "I had to "hump" the groceries up the stairs".

What are some synonyms for the noun "hump"?

Alternatives to the noun "hump" include "mound", "protuberance", "bulge", or "elevation", depending on the context.

How can I use "hump" in a professional context?

In a professional context, it's best to avoid the verb form related to sexual activity. However, you can use "get over the "hump"" to mean overcoming a major obstacle or challenge, which is generally acceptable. But do use this phrase sparingly.

What does it mean to "get the "hump""?

To "get the "hump"" means to be in a bad mood or to be annoyed.