marine
A marine is a member of a military force specifically trained for serving on land as well as at sea, often specializing in amphibious operations. In a broader sense, it can also refer to any soldier belonging to a specialized sea-based infantry unit.
Examples
3 of 5My brother decided to become a marine after graduating from college.
My brother decided to become a marine after graduating from college.
The decorated marine received a commendation for his leadership during the coastal mission.
The decorated marine received a commendation for his leadership during the coastal mission.
I saw a marine at the airport today in full dress uniform.
I saw a marine at the airport today in full dress uniform.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'Mar' in marine, which comes from the Latin word for 'sea' (mare). A marine is a soldier who comes from the sea to the land.
Quick Quiz
After several years of intensive training, he finally became a ______ in the national defense force.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
Examples
My brother decided to become a marine after graduating from college.
everydayMy brother decided to become a marine after graduating from college.
The decorated marine received a commendation for his leadership during the coastal mission.
formalThe decorated marine received a commendation for his leadership during the coastal mission.
I saw a marine at the airport today in full dress uniform.
informalI saw a marine at the airport today in full dress uniform.
The strategic importance of the marine in modern warfare is centered on rapid amphibious deployment.
academicThe strategic importance of the marine in modern warfare is centered on rapid amphibious deployment.
The security firm prefers to hire a former marine because of their disciplined training.
businessThe security firm prefers to hire a former marine because of their disciplined training.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Tell it to the marines
Expressing disbelief toward a story.
Once a marine, always a marine
A motto implying lifelong loyalty and identity.
Marine biology
The scientific study of organisms in the ocean (adjective use).
Often Confused With
A mariner is a general term for any sailor or seaman, whereas a marine is specifically a military soldier.
A submarine is an underwater vessel, not a person or a type of soldier.
Usage Notes
When used as a noun to refer to a person, it is often capitalized (Marine) in the United States to show respect for the specific branch of service. It is distinct from 'sailor,' who typically works on ships rather than fighting on land.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'marine' as a noun to mean 'sea creature.' While 'marine life' is correct as an adjective-noun pair, the noun 'marine' refers only to the soldier.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'Mar' in marine, which comes from the Latin word for 'sea' (mare). A marine is a soldier who comes from the sea to the land.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'marinus', meaning 'of or pertaining to the sea'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In American culture, Marines are viewed as an elite military force with a very strict code of conduct and high physical standards.
Quick Quiz
After several years of intensive training, he finally became a ______ in the national defense force.
Correct!
The correct answer is: a
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