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B1 noun/verb #38 mais comum 14 min de leitura

crease

Top 38

At the A1 level, you can think of a 'crease' as a line on a piece of paper or on your clothes. Imagine you take a clean piece of paper and fold it in half. When you open it, you see a line in the middle. That line is a crease. You can also see creases on your clothes if you do not iron them. For example, if you leave your t-shirt on the floor in a pile, it will have many messy lines when you pick it up. These are creases. At this level, just remember that a crease is a line made by folding or crushing something soft like paper or fabric. It is a simple noun that describes something you can see. You might say, 'There is a crease in my shirt' or 'Don't crease the paper.' It is a very useful word for talking about everyday things like laundry and schoolwork. You don't need to worry about the sports or slang meanings yet. Just focus on the physical lines you see on paper and cloth. Think of it as a 'bad line' on clothes that you want to remove with an iron, or a 'fold line' on a piece of paper that you made on purpose. It is a common word that helps you describe the condition of things around you.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'crease' as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it's the line itself: 'I need to iron out the creases.' As a verb, it's the action of making that line: 'Be careful not to crease your new dress.' You will often hear this word when people talk about clothes and looking neat. If you are going to a party or an interview, you want your clothes to be 'crease-free.' You might also see creases on people's faces, especially when they smile or if they are older. These are like 'smile lines.' At this level, you should also know that some materials crease more than others. For example, cotton creases easily, but some synthetic fabrics do not. This is a great word to use when you are shopping for clothes or doing chores. You can also use it to describe paper. If you fold a letter to put it in an envelope, you are creasing the paper. It's a very practical word. Try to use it when you are talking about your daily routine, like getting dressed or organizing your desk. It's a step up from just saying 'line' or 'mark' because it explains *how* the line was made—by folding or pressing.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'crease' in a variety of everyday contexts, including fashion, skincare, and even some basic sports. You understand that a crease can be intentional, like the sharp line in formal trousers, or unintentional, like the wrinkles in a messy shirt. You can use the verb 'crease' to describe how materials behave: 'This linen shirt creases the moment you sit down.' You might also encounter the word in beauty contexts, such as 'eyeshadow creasing,' which means the makeup is gathering in the natural folds of the eyelid. At this level, you can also start to recognize the word in sports like cricket or hockey, where it refers to a specific area on the field or ice. For example, 'The batsman must stay within the crease.' You are also beginning to see 'crease' used metaphorically in literature to describe a person's expression, like 'a crease of worry on his forehead.' This level is about moving beyond just 'paper and clothes' and seeing how the word applies to different areas of life. You should also be aware of the common phrasal verb 'crease up,' which is a British slang term for laughing very hard, though you might not use it yourself in formal situations.

At the B2 level, you can use 'crease' with more precision and nuance. You understand the difference between a 'crease,' a 'wrinkle,' and a 'pleat.' You know that 'crease' often implies a sharper, more distinct line than 'wrinkle.' You can use the word in more technical discussions about fabric quality or document preservation. For instance, you might discuss 'crease-resistant' technology in modern textiles. You are also familiar with the sporting definitions and can follow a cricket or hockey match where the 'crease' is mentioned frequently as a key part of the rules. Your vocabulary includes collocations like 'iron out the creases,' which can be used both literally (for clothes) and figuratively (to solve small problems in a plan). You might use 'crease' to describe the physical signs of aging in a more descriptive way than just 'wrinkles,' perhaps in a creative writing piece. You are also comfortable with the informal British usage 'to crease up' and can use it appropriately in casual conversations with friends. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are choosing it over other similar words because it is the most accurate for the specific context you are in.

At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of 'crease' and its many applications. You can use it in highly specific technical contexts, such as paper engineering, where 'creasing' is a precise mechanical process distinct from 'scoring.' You understand the subtle connotations the word carries in literature, where a 'creased' face might suggest a life of hardship or a 'creased' letter might imply it has been read and re-read many times. You are fully aware of the regional variations in usage, such as the prevalence of 'crease up' in the UK versus its rarity in the US. You can use the word fluently in sports discussions, understanding the strategic importance of the 'crease' in cricket or hockey. You also recognize the word in medical or anatomical descriptions, such as 'palmar creases.' Your use of the word is natural and idiomatic. You might use 'crease' as a subtle way to describe texture in a professional design or fashion critique. You understand that the word can convey a sense of permanence or a history of use, and you use this to add depth to your descriptions. You are also able to explain the nuances of the word to others, including its etymological roots and its relationship to other words in the 'fold' family.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'crease' is complete. You use the word with the same ease and subtlety as a native speaker, often employing it in creative or highly specialized ways. You might use 'crease' in a metaphorical sense that is entirely original yet perfectly clear, such as 'the creases of time' or 'a crease in the fabric of reality.' You are intimately familiar with the word's role in various dialects and registers, from the most formal technical manuals to the most casual street slang. In sports, you understand the deep history and rules associated with the 'crease' and can discuss them with authority. You might even be aware of the word's etymology, tracing it back to the Middle English 'creste,' and how its meaning has evolved over centuries. Your writing uses 'crease' to provide precise sensory details, whether you are describing the 'micro-creases' in a high-tech material or the 'weather-beaten creases' of an old sailor's skin. You can effortlessly switch between the literal, technical, and figurative meanings of the word, often using it to create double meanings or puns. At this level, 'crease' is just one tool in a vast and expertly handled vocabulary, used to achieve exactly the right effect in any given communicative situation.

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

crease em 30 segundos

A crease is a line or ridge formed by folding or pressing materials like paper or fabric, often seen in laundry or documents.
As a verb, to crease means to create these lines, either intentionally (like ironing trousers) or accidentally (like wrinkling a shirt).
In sports like cricket and hockey, the crease is a vital boundary line that defines player positions and safety zones.
Informally, particularly in British English, 'to crease up' is a common way to describe laughing very hard or uncontrollably.

The word 'crease' serves as both a noun and a verb, primarily describing a line, fold, or wrinkle in a material. In its most literal sense, a crease is formed when a flexible substance like paper, fabric, or even human skin is folded or crushed. Unlike a simple 'fold,' which might be intentional and neat, a 'crease' often implies a semi-permanent mark that remains after the pressure is removed. In the world of fashion and domestic life, creases are frequently the enemy of a polished appearance. We spend significant time ironing our clothes to remove the unwanted creases that develop during storage or wear. However, creases can also be intentional and functional. For example, the sharp line down the front of formal trousers is a deliberate crease designed to provide structure and a sophisticated silhouette. This duality—the crease as both a flaw to be corrected and a feature to be maintained—is central to its usage in daily English.

Physical Manifestation: A physical ridge or groove on a surface caused by compression or folding.
Biological Context: Lines on the skin, such as those on the palms of the hands or those that appear with age around the eyes.
Sporting Definition: A specifically marked area on a field or court, most notably in cricket and ice hockey, defining where a player can safely stand or where a goalie operates.

The old map was so worn that it began to tear along the central crease.

Beyond the physical, 'crease' enters the realm of idioms and informal language. In British English, to 'crease up' or simply 'to crease' means to laugh uncontrollably. This likely stems from the way one's face 'creases' or wrinkles when laughing heartily. Furthermore, in professional contexts, we talk about 'creasing' a document to prepare it for binding. The word carries a sense of permanence; once a piece of paper is creased, the fibers are broken, and the mark is difficult to fully erase. This makes it a powerful metaphor for lasting impact or damage. In the context of aging, 'creases' is often used as a more descriptive, perhaps slightly more clinical or objective, alternative to 'wrinkles.' It suggests a deeper line, perhaps one formed by repeated facial expressions over decades, such as the 'laughter lines' or 'smile creases' that many people view as a map of a life well-lived.

He managed to crease his new linen suit within minutes of sitting down.

In sports, the 'crease' is a vital technical term. In cricket, the 'popping crease' is the line that the batsman must stay behind to avoid being stumped or run out. It is a line of safety and a boundary of play. Similarly, in ice hockey, the 'goal crease' is the blue-painted area in front of the net where the goaltender has special protections. In these contexts, the 'crease' is not a physical fold but a painted line that functions as a boundary. This transition from a physical fold to a conceptual boundary shows the versatility of the word. Whether you are talking about the laundry, your grandmother's face, a hilarious joke, or a high-stakes sports match, 'crease' provides a specific, evocative way to describe lines and the actions that create them.

The goalie stood firmly in his crease, ready to block the incoming puck.

A deep crease appeared between her eyebrows as she concentrated on the puzzle.

Please try not to crease the pages of the library book.

Using 'crease' effectively requires understanding its role as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it typically follows an adjective that describes its nature or location. For instance, you might see a 'sharp crease,' a 'faint crease,' or a 'permanent crease.' When referring to clothing, it is often the object of verbs like 'iron,' 'remove,' or 'press.' In sports, it is often preceded by a preposition like 'in' or 'at,' such as 'standing in the crease.' As a verb, 'crease' can be transitive (taking an object) or intransitive (not taking an object). You can 'crease a piece of paper' (transitive), or you can observe that 'this fabric creases easily' (intransitive). The flexibility of the word allows it to fit into various sentence structures, from simple descriptions to complex technical explanations.

Transitive Verb Usage: Subject + Crease + Object (e.g., 'The heavy luggage creased my dress').
Intransitive Verb Usage: Subject + Crease (e.g., 'Linen tends to crease').
Noun Phrase Usage: Adjective + Crease (e.g., 'A noticeable crease in the upholstery').

The tailor made sure the crease in the trousers was perfectly straight.

When using the verb in a figurative sense, particularly regarding laughter, the phrasing is quite specific. 'To crease someone up' is a common phrasal verb in British and Australian English. It implies that the laughter is so intense it causes the person to fold over or 'crease.' In more formal writing, 'crease' is often used to describe the physical state of documents or materials. For example, a conservator might discuss the 'creasing' of a historical manuscript. In this context, it is a technical term for a type of damage. In skincare and beauty writing, 'crease' is often used to describe where makeup might settle, such as 'eyeshadow creasing in the lids.' This specific usage highlights the word's ability to describe very small, detailed physical changes.

If you don't use a primer, your eyeshadow will likely crease by noon.

In the sporting world, the usage is very fixed. A commentator might say, 'The batsman is out of his crease,' or 'The goalie is protecting the crease.' Here, 'crease' functions as a specific noun denoting a location. It is rarely used as a verb in sports, except perhaps in very niche technical descriptions of how a line is marked. Understanding these different 'pockets' of usage—domestic, fashion, sports, and slang—is key to mastering the word. By paying attention to the surrounding words (collocations), you can determine which meaning of 'crease' is intended. For example, if you hear 'iron,' you know it's about clothes. If you hear 'wicket,' you know it's about cricket. If you hear 'laugh,' you know it's the informal verb.

The comedian's delivery was so perfect it creased the entire audience.

She smoothed out the crease in the tablecloth before the guests arrived.

The batsman stepped out of the crease to hit a massive six.

You will encounter 'crease' in a surprisingly wide array of environments. In a domestic setting, it's a staple of laundry-related conversations. Parents might tell children not to 'crease' their school uniforms, or someone might complain about how a particular washing machine cycle leaves clothes 'full of creases.' In the fashion industry, 'crease resistance' is a major selling point for synthetic fabrics like polyester or specially treated cotton. You'll see this term on clothing tags and in marketing materials for travel-friendly attire. In the beauty and skincare world, 'crease' is a common term in product reviews and tutorials. Beauty influencers often discuss whether a concealer 'creases' under the eyes or how to prevent eyeshadow from 'creasing' in the lid's natural fold.

In the Laundry Room: 'I need to iron the creases out of this shirt before the interview.'
In Sports Commentary: 'He's just short of the crease! That's a run-out!'
In the Beauty Salon: 'This anti-aging cream helps reduce the appearance of deep creases around the mouth.'

The sports announcer shouted, 'He's back in the crease just in time!'

If you follow sports like cricket or ice hockey, 'crease' is an essential part of the vocabulary. In cricket, the commentary is filled with references to the 'popping crease,' the 'bowling crease,' and the 'return crease.' These are not just lines on the grass; they are the legal boundaries that dictate the entire flow of the game. In ice hockey, the 'crease' is the goaltender's sanctuary. You'll hear announcers talk about 'crashing the crease' (when attacking players move aggressively into the goalie's area) or 'crease violations.' In these contexts, the word carries a high degree of technical importance and is understood by every fan of the sport. It's a great example of how a common word can take on a very specific, high-stakes meaning in a specialized field.

The fashion blogger noted that the 'permanent crease' in the trousers added a touch of vintage class.

In literature and descriptive writing, 'crease' is used to add texture and detail to a scene. An author might describe a 'creased map' to suggest long travel, or a 'creased brow' to convey worry or deep thought. It is a more evocative word than 'line' because it suggests the physical process that created the mark. In technical fields like paper manufacturing or bookbinding, 'creasing' is a specific process used to ensure that paper folds cleanly without cracking the surface. You might hear this in a print shop or a packaging design meeting. Finally, in medical or anatomical contexts, 'creases' refer to the natural folds in the skin, such as the 'palmar creases' on the hand, which are used in certain types of physical examinations. From the mundane to the professional, 'crease' is everywhere.

The detective studied the creases in the discarded note for clues about how it had been hidden.

'Don't crease your forehead like that,' her mother warned, 'or the lines will stay there!'

The new packaging design includes a pre-made crease for easy opening.

One of the most common mistakes learners make is confusing 'crease' with 'fold.' While they are related, they are not always interchangeable. A 'fold' is the act of doubling something over, and it can be a very neat, intentional action (like folding a letter). A 'crease' is the *line* that results from that fold, or an *unintentional* wrinkle. You 'fold' a piece of paper to *create* a 'crease.' Another common error is using 'crease' when 'wrinkle' might be more appropriate. Generally, 'crease' implies a single, distinct line (like in trousers), whereas 'wrinkle' often implies a series of smaller, messy lines (like in a shirt that was left in a ball). However, in the context of skin, they are often used as synonyms, though 'crease' can sound slightly more formal or descriptive of a deeper line.

Crease vs. Fold: A fold is the action or the doubled-over part; a crease is the mark left behind.
Crease vs. Wrinkle: Creases are often sharper and more singular; wrinkles are often smaller and more numerous.
Informal Usage Error: Using 'crease' for laughter in a formal setting (it's very informal slang).

Incorrect: 'I need to iron the folds out of my shirt.' (Better: creases/wrinkles)

Another area of confusion is the sporting usage. Learners might try to use 'crease' as a verb in sports, saying 'He creased the wicket,' which is incorrect. In sports, 'crease' is almost exclusively a noun referring to the marked area. Furthermore, the British slang usage 'to crease up' can be confusing for those familiar only with American English, where this expression is much less common. In American English, someone might say 'that cracked me up' instead. Using 'crease' to mean 'laugh' in a professional American business meeting might lead to blank stares. It's also important to note the spelling; it's 'crease,' not 'creese' or 'creese.' The 'ea' vowel sound is long, similar to 'please' or 'tease.'

Incorrect: 'The paper wrinkled along the line I folded.' (Better: creased)

Finally, be careful with the word 'crinkle.' While a 'crease' is usually a straight line, a 'crinkle' is a small, often rounded wrinkle, like the sound and texture of wax paper being bunched up. If you say a shirt is 'crinkled,' it sounds like a specific style or a very messy texture. If you say it is 'creased,' it sounds like it has specific lines from being folded or sat upon. Choosing the right word helps you be more precise in your descriptions. In technical writing, 'creasing' and 'scoring' are also different; scoring is cutting slightly into the material to help it fold, while creasing is just pressing it. Confusing these in a manufacturing context could lead to production errors. Precision in these small distinctions is what separates an intermediate learner from an advanced speaker.

Incorrect: 'The goalie was standing on the fold.' (Correct: crease)

Incorrect: 'That joke really folded me.' (Correct: creased me up)

The tailor warned that the crease would fade if not pressed regularly.

To truly master 'crease,' it's helpful to compare it to its synonyms and related terms. Each word carries a slightly different nuance that can change the tone of your sentence. 'Wrinkle' is the most common alternative, but it often implies something smaller, messier, or related to age. 'Fold' refers to the action or the resulting double layer of material. 'Pleat' is a very specific type of intentional, permanent fold in fabric, often seen in skirts or curtains. 'Furrow' is a deeper, longer groove, often used to describe lines on the forehead ('a furrowed brow') or the tracks made by a plow in a field. 'Crinkle' suggests a multitude of tiny, often noisy wrinkles. Understanding these differences allows you to choose the most descriptive word for the situation.

Crease vs. Wrinkle: Crease is often a single, sharp line; wrinkle is often multiple and less defined.
Crease vs. Pleat: A pleat is a decorative, sewn-in fold; a crease is a pressed-in line.
Crease vs. Furrow: A furrow is much deeper and often implies a long, narrow trench or a very deep skin line.

While a crease might be accidental, a pleat is always a deliberate design choice.

In more technical or literary contexts, you might encounter words like 'ridge' or 'groove.' A 'ridge' is a raised line, whereas a 'crease' can be either raised or indented. A 'groove' is always an indentation. If you are talking about the lines on a map, you might use 'contour.' If you are talking about the lines on a person's palm, 'line' or 'crease' are both acceptable, but 'crease' sounds more precise in a palmistry or medical context. In the world of laughter, 'crack up,' 'fracture,' and 'split' are all alternatives to 'crease up.' 'Crack up' is the most common in American English, while 'crease up' remains a distinctively British and Australian colloquialism. Knowing these alternatives helps you tailor your language to your audience and the specific image you want to create.

The creases in the leather gave the old armchair a lived-in, comfortable look.

When describing the act of making a crease, you could use 'fold,' 'crimp,' 'press,' or 'crush.' 'Crimp' implies a series of small, regular folds, often at the edge of something (like a pie crust). 'Press' implies using heat or heavy weight to create a crease. 'Crush' implies a messy, unintentional creation of many creases. By expanding your vocabulary to include these related words, you can describe the physical world with much greater accuracy. For example, instead of just saying 'the paper was messy,' you could say 'the paper was heavily creased and crinkled,' which provides a much clearer mental image. This level of detail is what makes writing and speaking truly engaging and professional.

The chef used a fork to crimp the edges of the pastry, creating a decorative crease.

He tried to press a new crease into his trousers using a heavy book.

The delicate silk will crease if you don't hang it up immediately.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutro

Informal

Child friendly

Gíria

Curiosidade

While we now think of a crease as an indentation, its origin as a 'crest' shows that it was once primarily thought of as the *raised* part of the fold.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /kriːs/

US /kris/

The stress is on the only syllable: CREASE.

Rima com

peace lease cease geese niece piece fleece grease (noun)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it like 'crease' but with a 'z' sound at the end (creaze). It should be a sharp 's'.
Confusing the 'ea' sound with a short 'e' like in 'cress'. It must be a long 'ee'.
Adding an extra syllable (cre-ase). It is strictly one syllable.
Mixing it up with 'grease'. Ensure the starting sound is a hard 'k', not a 'g'.
In the plural 'creases', the second syllable is a short 'iz' sound: /kriːsɪz/.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 3/5

The word is common but has multiple meanings depending on the context (sports, fashion, slang).

Escrita 3/5

Spelling is straightforward, but choosing between 'crease' and 'wrinkle' requires some thought.

Expressão oral 2/5

Easy to pronounce and very useful in daily life.

Audição 3/5

Can be confused with 'grease' or 'cease' in fast speech.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

fold line iron shirt paper

Aprenda a seguir

pleat furrow crimp texture boundary

Avançado

deformation tectonics parchment silhouette popping crease

Gramática essencial

Nouns as Verbs

The word 'crease' is a common example of a noun that can also function as a verb without changing its form.

Phrasal Verbs

'Crease up' is an inseparable phrasal verb meaning to laugh, though 'crease someone up' is separable.

Compound Adjectives

'Crease-resistant' uses a hyphen to combine a noun and an adjective to modify a noun (e.g., 'crease-resistant pants').

Passive Voice with Adjectives

'The shirt was creased' can be seen as a passive verb or a subject with a predicate adjective.

Countable vs. Uncountable

'Crease' is countable, so you must use 'many creases' rather than 'much crease'.

Exemplos por nível

There is a crease in the paper.

Il y a un pli dans le papier.

Noun, singular. Used with the indefinite article 'a'.

Don't crease your shirt.

Ne froisse pas ta chemise.

Verb, imperative. Negative command using 'don't'.

I see a crease on your hand.

Je vois un pli sur ta main.

Noun, singular. Refers to a natural line on the body.

The book has a crease on the cover.

Le livre a un pli sur la couverture.

Noun, singular. Describes damage to an object.

Fold the paper to make a crease.

Plie le papier pour faire un pli.

Noun, singular. Used as the result of the action 'fold'.

My pants have many creases.

Mon pantalon a beaucoup de plis.

Noun, plural. Describes a messy state.

She smoothed the crease with her hand.

Elle a lissé le pli avec sa main.

Noun, singular. The object of the verb 'smoothed'.

Is that a crease or a tear?

Est-ce un pli ou une déchirure ?

Noun, singular. Used in a question of identification.

This fabric creases very easily.

Ce tissu se froisse très facilement.

Verb, intransitive. Present simple tense describing a characteristic.

I need to iron the creases out of my dress.

Je dois repasser les plis de ma robe.

Noun, plural. Used in the common phrase 'iron out the creases'.

He has small creases around his eyes when he smiles.

Il a de petits plis autour des yeux quand il sourit.

Noun, plural. Describes facial features.

The map was old and had many creases.

La carte était vieille et avait de nombreux plis.

Noun, plural. Suggests age and frequent use.

Please don't crease the pages of my book.

S'il te plaît, ne corne pas les pages de mon livre.

Verb, transitive. A polite request using 'please'.

The tailor put a sharp crease in the trousers.

Le tailleur a fait un pli net dans le pantalon.

Noun, singular. Modified by the adjective 'sharp'.

The bedsheets were full of creases.

Les draps étaient pleins de plis.

Noun, plural. Follows the phrase 'full of'.

I accidentally creased the photo.

J'ai accidentellement plié la photo.

Verb, transitive. Past simple tense with an adverb.

The batsman was just inside the crease when the ball hit the stumps.

Le batteur était juste à l'intérieur de la ligne quand la balle a frappé les guichets.

Noun, singular. Technical sports term for a boundary line.

That joke really creased me up; I couldn't stop laughing.

Cette blague m'a vraiment fait mourir de rire ; je ne pouvais pas m'arrêter.

Phrasal verb, 'crease up'. Informal British slang for laughing hard.

Linen is a beautiful material, but it creases the moment you sit down.

Le lin est une belle matière, mais il se froisse dès qu'on s'assoit.

Verb, intransitive. Describes a characteristic of a material.

She used a special cream to reduce the creases on her forehead.

Elle a utilisé une crème spéciale pour réduire les rides sur son front.

Noun, plural. Used as a synonym for deep wrinkles.

The goalie stayed deep in his crease to block the shot.

Le gardien est resté au fond de sa zone pour bloquer le tir.

Noun, singular. Technical term in ice hockey.

There was a slight crease of worry between his eyebrows.

Il y avait un léger pli d'inquiétude entre ses sourcils.

Noun, singular. Figurative use describing an expression.

You should hang your suit up so it doesn't get creased in the suitcase.

Tu devrais suspendre ton costume pour qu'il ne se froisse pas dans la valise.

Verb, passive/adjective. Describes the state of the fabric.

The new bill was so crisp it didn't have a single crease.

Le nouveau billet était si craquant qu'il n'avait pas un seul pli.

Noun, singular. Used to emphasize the perfect condition of the money.

We need to iron out the creases in this plan before we present it to the board.

Nous devons régler les derniers détails de ce plan avant de le présenter au conseil.

Idiom, 'iron out the creases'. Means to resolve minor problems.

The eyeshadow began to crease in the heat of the afternoon.

L'ombre à paupières a commencé à filer dans les plis avec la chaleur de l'après-midi.

Verb, intransitive. Specific beauty/cosmetic usage.

The heavy pressure of the machine created a permanent crease in the metal sheet.

La forte pression de la machine a créé un pli permanent dans la tôle.

Noun, singular. Technical/industrial context.

His face was a map of deep creases, telling the story of years spent at sea.

Son visage était une carte de plis profonds, racontant l'histoire d'années passées en mer.

Noun, plural. Literary/descriptive usage.

The umpire ruled that the batsman's foot was on the line, not behind the crease.

L'arbitre a jugé que le pied du batteur était sur la ligne, pas derrière le pli.

Noun, singular. Specific sporting rule context.

The document was so badly creased that the scanner couldn't read the text.

Le document était si mal plié que le scanner ne pouvait pas lire le texte.

Adjective/Participle. Describes the condition of the paper.

The curtains feature a sewn-in crease to ensure they hang perfectly.

Les rideaux comportent un pli cousu pour s'assurer qu'ils tombent parfaitement.

Noun, singular. Refers to a deliberate design feature.

He creased the letter carefully before sliding it into the small envelope.

Il a plié la lettre avec soin avant de la glisser dans la petite enveloppe.

Verb, transitive. Describes a deliberate, careful action.

The palmist studied the life crease on her hand with great intensity.

Le palmiste a étudié la ligne de vie sur sa main avec une grande intensité.

Noun, singular. Specific usage in palmistry/anatomy.

The sudden realization caused a deep crease to form across her brow.

La prise de conscience soudaine a fait apparaître un profond pli sur son front.

Noun, singular. Used to describe a physical reaction to an emotion.

The manufacturer uses a specialized tool for creasing heavy-duty cardboard.

Le fabricant utilise un outil spécialisé pour le rainurage du carton robuste.

Verb, gerund. Technical term in manufacturing.

The goalie's interference was called because the attacker was standing in the crease.

L'obstruction du gardien a été signalée parce que l'attaquant se trouvait dans la zone du gardien.

Noun, singular. Refers to a specific rule violation in hockey.

The antique map's value was slightly diminished by a prominent central crease.

La valeur de la carte ancienne était légèrement diminuée par un pli central saillant.

Noun, singular. Evaluative context regarding condition.

She tried to maintain a stoic expression, but a crease of amusement gave her away.

Elle essayait de garder une expression stoïque, mais un pli d'amusement l'a trahie.

Noun, singular. Subtle descriptive usage.

The tailor explained that the crease in the wool would hold better than in the cotton.

Le tailleur a expliqué que le pli dans la laine tiendrait mieux que dans le coton.

Noun, singular. Comparative context regarding material properties.

The repeated folding of the metal eventually led to a fracture along the crease.

Le pliage répété du métal a fini par entraîner une fracture le long du pli.

Noun, singular. Scientific/engineering context.

The novelist used the metaphor of a 'crease in time' to describe the character's sense of displacement.

Le romancier a utilisé la métaphore d'un « pli dans le temps » pour décrire le sentiment de dépaysement du personnage.

Noun, singular. Highly figurative/literary usage.

The subtle creasing of the parchment suggested it had been hidden away for centuries.

Le léger froissement du parchemin suggérait qu'il avait été caché pendant des siècles.

Noun, gerund/singular. Describes a state that implies a history.

In the high-stakes world of professional cricket, an inch outside the crease can mean the end of a career.

Dans le monde du cricket professionnel, où les enjeux sont élevés, un pouce en dehors de la ligne peut signifier la fin d'une carrière.

Noun, singular. Used to emphasize precision and consequence.

The architect's design included a deliberate crease in the building's facade to play with light and shadow.

La conception de l'architecte incluait un pli délibéré dans la façade du bâtiment pour jouer avec l'ombre et la lumière.

Noun, singular. Architectural/design context.

The diplomat's carefully maintained facade was marred only by a slight crease of distaste.

La façade soigneusement entretenue du diplomate n'était gâchée que par un léger pli de dégoût.

Noun, singular. Used for high-level character description.

The conservationist worked painstakingly to humidify the paper and relax the deep creases.

Le conservateur a travaillé avec acharnement pour humidifier le papier et détendre les plis profonds.

Noun, plural. Technical conservation context.

The tectonic plates' movement created a massive crease in the Earth's crust, forming the mountain range.

Le mouvement des plaques tectoniques a créé un pli massif dans la croûte terrestre, formant la chaîne de montagnes.

Noun, singular. Geological/scientific metaphor.

He found himself creasing with laughter at the sheer absurdity of the situation, despite the danger.

Il se surprit à se tordre de rire devant l'absurdité pure de la situation, malgré le danger.

Verb, intransitive. Advanced use of the informal meaning in a narrative.

Colocações comuns

iron out the creases

sharp crease

popping crease

crease-resistant

deep crease

crease up

goal crease

permanent crease

faint crease

crease the pages

Frases Comuns

iron out the creases

crease up

stay in the crease

crease-free

a crease in the brow

crashing the crease

crease-resistant fabric

make a crease

smooth out the creases

deeply creased

Frequentemente confundido com

crease vs fold

A fold is the act or the double layer; a crease is the line left behind.

crease vs wrinkle

Wrinkles are usually smaller and more random; creases are often sharper and more distinct.

crease vs grease

Grease is an oily substance. They sound similar but have completely different meanings.

Expressões idiomáticas

"iron out the creases"

To resolve minor problems or settle details after the main part of a task is finished.

We've agreed on the main contract, but we still need to iron out a few creases.

neutral/business

"crease up"

To laugh uncontrollably.

The whole class creased up when the teacher made a funny mistake.

informal (UK/Aus)

"crease someone's style"

To hinder or annoy someone, or to make them look less cool (similar to 'cramp someone's style').

Having his little brother follow him around really creased his style.

informal/slang

"out of the crease"

In cricket, when a batsman is not in the safe zone. Figuratively, being in a vulnerable or risky position.

He's a bit out of his crease with these new investments.

neutral/metaphorical

"a crease in time"

A metaphorical way to describe a moment where time seems to behave strangely or where the past and present meet.

Returning to my childhood home felt like a crease in time.

literary

"crease the brow"

To worry or think deeply about something.

The difficult puzzle was enough to crease the brow of even the smartest student.

literary/descriptive

"crease-proof"

Incapable of being wrinkled; often used hyperbolically.

I wish my life were as crease-proof as this new suit.

informal/metaphorical

"fold into the creases"

To become a natural or hidden part of something larger.

The small village seemed to fold into the creases of the mountains.

literary

"not a crease out of place"

To be perfectly dressed and groomed with no flaws.

She arrived at the gala with not a crease out of place.

neutral/descriptive

"crease the air"

A rare, poetic way to describe a sharp sound or movement cutting through the silence.

A sharp whistle creased the air of the quiet morning.

poetic

Fácil de confundir

crease vs wrinkle

Both describe lines on surfaces.

A crease is usually a single, sharp line from folding. A wrinkle is often one of many small, messy lines.

He ironed the crease in his pants, but his shirt was still full of wrinkles.

crease vs pleat

Both are folds in fabric.

A pleat is a permanent, decorative fold sewn into place. A crease is just a pressed line.

The skirt has many pleats, and I need to make sure each one has a sharp crease.

crease vs crinkle

Both involve folding/wrinkling.

Crinkle often implies a texture of many tiny wrinkles and a specific sound (like paper).

The crinkle of the wrapping paper was loud, but the paper itself had only one deep crease.

crease vs furrow

Both describe lines on the face.

A furrow is a much deeper, longer groove, usually on the forehead or in the earth.

A deep furrow appeared on the farmer's brow as he looked at the furrows in his field.

crease vs score

Both are used in paper folding.

To score is to cut slightly into the paper to help it fold. To crease is just to press it.

First, score the cardboard with a knife, then fold it to create a clean crease.

Padrões de frases

There is a crease in [noun].

There is a crease in the paper.

Don't crease the [noun].

Don't crease the new book.

[Noun] creases easily.

This linen creases easily.

To iron out the creases.

I need to iron out the creases in my shirt.

[Something] creased [someone] up.

His joke really creased me up.

Standing in the [sport] crease.

The goalie was standing in the crease.

A crease of [emotion] on [body part].

A crease of worry on his forehead.

A crease in the [abstract noun].

A crease in the fabric of society.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Como usar

frequency

Common in daily life, especially regarding chores and appearance. High frequency in specific sports.

Erros comuns

Using 'crease' instead of 'grease'. → I need to put some grease on the door hinge.
'Grease' is oil; 'crease' is a fold. They sound similar but are very different.
Saying 'He creased the wicket' in cricket. → He was caught outside the crease.
In sports, 'crease' is almost always a noun, not a verb.
Using 'crease up' in a formal business report. → The presentation was very well-received and humorous.
'Crease up' is very informal slang and should be avoided in professional writing.
Confusing 'crease' and 'fold' when talking about the action. → Fold the paper to create a crease.
The fold is the action; the crease is the resulting line. You don't 'crease the paper in half' as often as you 'fold it in half'.
Spelling it 'creese'. → crease
The spelling is always 'crease', following the 'ea' pattern like 'please' or 'tease'.

Dicas

Fashion Tip

To keep a sharp crease in your trousers, always hang them by the bottom hem using a clamp hanger. This lets the weight of the pants pull the fabric straight.

Verb Choice

When using 'crease' as a verb for laughter, remember it is usually intransitive ('I creased') or used with 'up' ('It creased me up').

Precision

Use 'crease' when describing a line in paper that you made on purpose. Use 'wrinkle' if you accidentally balled the paper up.

Cricket Knowledge

The 'popping crease' is exactly 4 feet in front of the bowling crease. Knowing these terms will help you understand cricket commentary much better.

Makeup Tip

To prevent eyeshadow from creasing, apply a thin layer of primer or concealer to your lids before adding color. This fills in the natural creases of the skin.

Descriptive Power

Instead of saying 'he looked worried,' try 'a deep crease appeared between his eyes.' It shows the reader the emotion instead of just telling them.

Drying Tip

Taking clothes out of the dryer while they are still slightly damp and hanging them up immediately can prevent many creases from forming.

Regional Usage

If you are in the US, people might not understand 'creased up' to mean laughing. Use 'cracked up' instead to be safe.

Origami Tip

In origami, a 'mountain fold' and a 'valley fold' both create creases, but they point in opposite directions. Precision in your creases is key to a good model.

History Tip

Remember that 'crease' comes from 'crest.' Think of the 'crest' of a wave; a crease is like a tiny mountain ridge on your clothes.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of the word 'EASE'. If you want to put your mind at EASE, you should iron the CREASE out of your clothes. Both words rhyme and share the 'ease' spelling.

Associação visual

Imagine a sharp, white line on a pair of dark blue trousers. That sharp line is the 'crease'. Or imagine a piece of paper folded into a paper airplane; the lines you press with your thumb are the creases.

Word Web

Ironing Paper Cricket Wrinkles Laughter Fabric Folding Hockey

Desafio

Try to find three things in your room right now that have a crease. Describe them out loud using the word 'crease' as both a noun and a verb.

Origem da palavra

The word 'crease' originated in the late 16th century. It is thought to be a variant of the word 'crest,' which comes from the Old French 'creste' and the Latin 'crista' (meaning a tuft or plume).

Significado original: Originally, it referred to a ridge or a crest, particularly the ridge of a fold in a garment or paper.

Indo-European > Latin > Romance > Old French > Middle English.

Contexto cultural

No major sensitivities, but be aware that 'crease' is a more polite way to describe wrinkles on an older person's face than 'wrinkles' itself in some contexts.

In the UK, 'creased' is very common slang for laughing. In the US, the sports meaning is mostly limited to hockey fans.

The 'popping crease' in Cricket rules. The 'goal crease' in NHL (National Hockey League) rules. The book 'A Wrinkle in Time' (often compared to the concept of a 'crease in time').

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Doing Laundry

iron out the creases
crease-free
wrinkled and creased
hang it up to avoid creases

Playing Cricket

stay in the crease
out of the crease
the popping crease
stepping over the crease

Applying Makeup

eyeshadow creasing
crease in the eyelid
settle into the creases
cut crease technique

Folding Paper

make a sharp crease
fold along the crease
don't crease the corners
pre-creased paper

Talking about Aging

creases around the eyes
smile creases
deep creases on the forehead
reduce the appearance of creases

Iniciadores de conversa

"Do you prefer to iron your clothes or do you not mind a few creases?"

"Have you ever seen a cricket match? Do you know what the crease is used for?"

"What's the funniest thing that has ever made you crease up with laughter?"

"Do you think 'smile creases' make a person look more interesting as they get older?"

"What kind of fabrics do you find crease the most easily when you travel?"

Temas para diário

Describe a time when you were so embarrassed or happy that you 'creased up' with laughter. What happened?

Think about an old object you own, like a map or a letter. Describe the creases in it and what they represent.

Write about your morning routine. Does it involve removing creases from your clothes or worrying about them?

If you could 'iron out the creases' in your life right now, what small problems would you fix?

Reflect on the lines on your own hands. What do those creases tell you about your daily activities?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Not exactly. While they are often used as synonyms, a 'crease' is usually a sharper, more defined line, often caused by a deliberate fold. A 'wrinkle' is typically smaller, messier, and more random. For example, you want a crease in your trousers but not wrinkles in your shirt.

In British and Australian slang, 'to crease up' means to laugh very hard. It's an informal way of saying something was extremely funny. For example, 'That comedian really creased me up!'

In cricket, the crease refers to several lines marked on the pitch. The most important is the 'popping crease,' which the batsman must stay behind to be safe from being run out or stumped.

Yes, you can. It's often used to describe deeper lines on the face, like 'smile creases' or 'creases on the forehead.' It's a slightly more descriptive alternative to 'wrinkles.'

You can use it to describe making a line: 'I accidentally creased the paper.' Or to describe how a material behaves: 'Linen creases very easily.' It can be both transitive and intransitive.

This is fabric that has been treated or made from materials (like polyester) that do not easily develop wrinkles or creases, making it good for travel or long days.

The word itself is neutral. However, the meaning 'to laugh' is very informal slang. In technical contexts like manufacturing or sports, it is a formal technical term.

A pleat is a fold that is intentionally sewn into a garment for style or fit. A crease is just a line pressed into the fabric, which can be ironed out.

It is pronounced /kriːs/. It rhymes with 'peace' and 'lease.' Make sure to use a long 'ee' sound and a sharp 's' at the end.

It means to solve small problems or settle minor details in a plan or situation. For example, 'We have the main idea, now we just need to iron out the creases.'