move

To go from one place to another.

• The bus began to move.
• She moved slowly towards the door.
• Please move away from the edge.

How to use it: move from somewhere to somewhere (The crowd moved from the square to the station.)

Similar words: go, travel

Opposites: stay

Common phrases: move away, move forward, move across something, move towards something

To change the position of your body or a part of it.

• Can you move your fingers?
• He moved his head to look at me.
• My leg hurt whenever I moved.

Common phrases: move your arm, move your head, move your fingers

To put something in a different place or position.

• Please move this box.
• They moved the sofa nearer the window.
• Who has moved my shoes?

How to use it: move something to somewhere (We moved the desk to the bedroom.)

Similar words: shift, relocate

Common phrases: move something aside, move a chair, move something closer

To take action or start doing something to deal with a situation.

• We must move quickly.
• The government moved to reduce food prices.
• They moved against the rebels before dawn.

How to use it: move to do something (The council moved to protect the old buildings.); move against someone/something (The police moved against the armed group.)

Similar words: act, take action

Common phrases: move quickly, move to prevent, move against someone

To make someone want to do something through an idea, feeling, or request.

• Her words moved us to help.
• What moved you to make that decision?
• The speech moved hundreds of people to volunteer.

How to use it: move someone to do something (Her appeal moved several neighbors to offer help.); be moved to do something (I was moved to write after hearing his story.)

Similar words: prompt, motivate, inspire

Opposites: deter

Common phrases: move someone to act, move someone to help

An action taken to reach a goal or improve a situation.

• Taking that job was a smart move.
• Their next move was to open a second shop.
• The government announced new moves to reduce waste.

How to use it: a move to do something (The price cut was a move to attract customers.); a move towards something (The agreement is a move towards peace.)

Similar words: step, action, measure

Common phrases: smart move, next move, make a move, move towards something

A change to a different home or place of work.

• The move cost us a lot.
• Our move to the countryside changed our lives.
• Are you ready for the office move?

How to use it: a move from somewhere to somewhere (Their move from London to York took several weeks.)

Similar words: relocation

Common phrases: house move, office move, move to somewhere

An action in a board game, especially putting a piece in a different position.

• It is your move.
• She won the game in six moves.
• That move put his king in danger.

Similar words: play

Common phrases: chess move, your move, make a move, next move