Words / B1

DORM-at/ˈdɔːmæt/

A doormat is a mat by a door for wiping mud off your shoes. A rug is decorative inside; a welcome mat is a close twin. PE: wipe your feet on the doormat; muddy trainers still stay off the sports-hall floor. Extra sense: calling someone a doormat means they let others walk over them.

Meaning

A mat by a door for wiping mud off your shoes.

Examples

• “Wipe your feet on the doormat; muddy PE trainers still stay off the sports-hall floor.”
• “A wet doormat at halls still needs a report to the caretaker; a towel on the tiles is a slip risk.”

Good to know

a doormat. Contrast: a rug. PE / halls. Countable mats. Extra: a doormat (person) = someone too meek. Mix-up: a mat in PE is for gymnastics, not shoes.

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