article
To sign a formal contract to work or train for someone for a specific time.
Explanation at your level:
This is a hard word. It means to sign a paper to work for someone for a long time.
You use this when someone signs a contract to learn a job from a master.
It describes a formal agreement. It is often used in history when talking about apprentices.
In law, it means to list items formally. It is a very formal verb, not used in daily talk.
The verb 'article' implies a legal commitment. It is distinct from 'hiring' because it implies a structured, often long-term, apprenticeship.
Etymologically, it connects to 'joint'. It denotes the formalization of duties into distinct sections. Rarely used outside of legal history.
Palabra en 30 segundos
- Rare verb
- Means to bind by contract
- Legal/Historical context
- Passive voice usage
When we use article as a verb, we are stepping into the world of formal agreements. It describes the process of binding someone by a written contract, which was historically common for apprentices learning a trade.
Think of it as a formal indenture. You aren't just starting a job; you are legally tethered to a master for a fixed period. In legal settings, it also means to break down a long list into specific, numbered points or charges.
The word stems from the Latin articulus, meaning a 'small joint' or 'part.' Over time, it evolved to describe individual items in a document, eventually becoming the 'articles' of a contract.
By the Middle Ages, it was used to describe the indentures signed by apprentices. It is fascinating how a word for a 'joint' in the body became a word for a 'joint' in a legal document!
You will rarely hear this as a verb in casual conversation. It is almost exclusively used in legal or historical contexts. You might see it in a sentence like 'The clerk was articled to the solicitor.'
Commonly, it appears in the passive voice. It is a very formal register, so avoid using it in everyday emails or chats.
While the verb form is specific, it relates to the noun 'article'. 1. Article of faith: A firm belief. 2. A tough article: A difficult person. 3. The genuine article: The real thing. 4. In the article of death: At the point of dying. 5. Articles of war: Military regulations.
As a verb, it follows regular patterns: article, articled, articled, articling. Pronunciation is ˈɑːrtɪkəl. Stress is on the first syllable. It rhymes with 'particle' and 'barbicle'.
Fun Fact
It once referred to the joints in a finger.
Pronunciation Guide
Clear 'ar' sound.
R-colored vowel.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it like 'artic-le'
- Missing the middle syllable
- Stress on second syllable
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Formal
Formal
Archaic
Formal
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Avanzado
Grammar to Know
Passive Voice
He was articled.
Examples by Level
He was articled to a baker.
He signed a contract to learn baking.
Passive voice.
The law student was articled to a firm.
He served his time as an articled clerk.
The prosecutor articled the charges against the defendant.
The apprentice was articled for seven years.
The solicitor articled his son to the senior partner.
Colocaciones comunes
Idioms & Expressions
"The genuine article"
The real thing
This watch is the genuine article.
casual"A tough article"
A difficult person
Don't argue with him; he's a tough article.
casualEasily Confused
Similar root
Articulate means to speak clearly.
He is articulate.
Same spelling
Noun is an object/writing.
Read the article.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + was + articled + to + Person/Firm
He was articled to the firm.
Familia de palabras
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Relacionado
How to Use It
2
Formality Scale
Errores comunes
It sounds too legal/archaic.
The verb is very rare.
Tips
Passive Voice
It is almost always used in the passive.
Read History
Find it in old books.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Art-i-cle: Art (skill) + i (I) + cle (clear). I learn a clear skill.
Visual Association
A quill pen signing a long scroll.
Word Web
Desafío
Write a historical sentence using the word.
Origen de la palabra
Latin
Original meaning: Small joint
Contexto cultural
None
Associated with Victorian-era legal practices.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Legal History
- Articled clerk
- Under articles
Apprenticeship
- Bound by articles
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever heard of an articled clerk?"
"Do you know the history of apprenticeships?"
Journal Prompts
Write a story about an apprentice in the 1800s.
Preguntas frecuentes
8 preguntasYes, but it is rare.
No, usually for apprenticeships.
The noun is, but the verb is different.
Yes, very.
Yes, 'articled'.
It would sound very strange.
Latin 'articulus'.
Rarely, mostly in historical contexts.
Ponte a prueba
He was ___ to the law firm.
Passive voice requires past participle.
What does it mean to article someone?
It refers to a binding contract.
The verb 'article' is common in casual speech.
It is very formal.
Word
Significado
Matches definition.
Standard passive structure.
Puntuación: /5
Summary
To 'article' someone is to formally bind them to a contract of service.
- Rare verb
- Means to bind by contract
- Legal/Historical context
- Passive voice usage
Context is Key
Only use this for legal apprenticeships.
Passive Voice
It is almost always used in the passive.
Read History
Find it in old books.
Ejemplo
She was articled to a firm of solicitors in London for three years to complete her qualification.
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acronym
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adage
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