flat
flat Lexical Profile
flat Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Having a level surface; without raised areas or indentations.
"We need to find a flat piece of ground to pitch the tent."
Lacking interest, emotion, or effervescence; dull or lifeless.
"The soda had been left open all night and was completely flat."
Lower in pitch by one semitone (in music).
"The choir director noticed that the sopranos were a little flat on the high notes."
• adverb
In a level, prostrate, or fully extended position.
"He lay flat on the floor to look under the heavy sofa."
Completely, absolutely, or unequivocally.
"She turned him down flat when he asked for a promotion."
Below the true or intended musical pitch.
"If you sing flat, the harmony of the entire piece will be compromised."
• noun
British A suite of rooms forming one residence, typically situated on one floor of a larger building.
"They recently rented a spacious two-bedroom flat in the center of London."
A deflated pneumatic tire.
"We were delayed on our road trip because we got a flat on the interstate."
A level tract of land, typically one that is relatively featureless and low-lying.
"The tidal flats are home to a wide variety of migratory bird species."
• verb
To lower a musical pitch, typically by a semitone.
"The composer instructed the orchestra to flat the third note in the scale for a more somber effect."
To become completely deflated (referring to a tire).
"The front left tire flatted just as they turned onto the gravel road."
Word Nuance & Usage
In British English, 'flat' is the standard noun for a set of rooms used as a residence, whereas American English predominantly uses 'apartment'.
• Rhymes for flat
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'flat', borrowed from Old Norse 'flatr' (flat), from Proto-Germanic '*flataz'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.