couch

UK: kaʊtʃ | US: kaʊtʃ

Definition

  1. n. a long upholstered piece of furniture for seating or lying on

  2. vt. to express something in a particular way (e.g., "He couched his apology in vague terms.")

Structure
cou <lie down>ch <verb/noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "couch" traces back to Old French colchier (to lie down), from Latin collocāre (to place, lay down). Over time, it evolved to refer to a piece of furniture designed for reclining or seating, reflecting its original sense of "lying down." The verb form retains the idea of "laying out" words or ideas deliberately.

Examples

  1. She curled up on the couch to read a book.

  2. The therapist asked him to couch his feelings more clearly.

  3. The living room couch is too small for three people.

  4. He couched his criticism in polite language.

  5. The cat loves napping on the couch.