grounds

Reasons that support a decision, action, or belief.

• We have grounds for concern.
• He appealed on medical grounds.
• Are there sufficient grounds to dismiss her?

How to use it: grounds for something (There are no grounds for complaint.); on the grounds that… (She refused on the grounds that it was unsafe.)

Similar words: reasons, basis, justification

Common phrases: grounds for something, on medical grounds, reasonable grounds

Small solid pieces left after making coffee or after liquid has settled or been filtered.

• There are grounds in my coffee.
• Put the used grounds in the compost.
• The filter keeps the grounds out of your cup.

Similar words: sediment, residue

Common phrases: coffee grounds, used grounds, wet grounds

The land around a building, often with gardens or open spaces.

• The school grounds are clean.
• We walked around the castle grounds.
• Visitors may picnic in the grounds.

How to use it: the grounds of something (We walked through the grounds of the palace.)

Similar words: land, property

Common phrases: castle grounds, school grounds, on the grounds