bar
Translation
bar, pub, rod, barrier
Examples
Let's meet at the bar for a drink.
Let's meet at the pub for a drink.
He bought a bar of chocolate.
He bought a bar of chocolate.
The gate is locked with a metal bar.
The gate is locked with a metal bar.
Lack of experience is a bar to promotion.
Lack of experience is a bar to promotion.
Grammar Patterns
a bar of ((sth.)) a solid block of a substance He bought a bar of soap.
a bar to ((sth.)) something that prevents something His criminal record is a bar to employment.
Similar Words
Etymology
From Old French 'barre' meaning 'beam, barrier', which led to the senses of a physical rod, a counter, and a metaphorical obstruction.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'bar' as a long, straight object. This applies to the counter where drinks are served, a metal rod, a shape of chocolate, and a metaphorical 'barrier'.