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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

count to ten en · VERB

Pronunciation

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic, informal) An expression used to describe or recommend a process for pausing to regain one's composure when one is on the verge of losing one's temper.
    • Bok believes that media violence undermines . . . psychological mechanisms that allow people to bounce back and to count to 10 before they lash out. 2001 June 24, John Cloud, “Of Arms And The Boy”, in Time, retrieved 10 Jul 2015:
    • There is a temptation at this point to jump up and down, shouting about how often you have asked about that point. Instead, count to ten. 1994 June 10, Kay Ewbank, “Computers: Confessions of a database designer”, in Independent, UK, retrieved 10 Jul 2015:
    • We need to step back, take a deep breath and count to ten. 2007 April 15, Gary Miller, “Letters to the Editor”, in New York Times, retrieved 10 Jul 2015:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
counts to ten Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic
counting to ten Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
counted to ten Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
counted to ten Tense=Past lexicographic
count to 10 alternative lexicographic