Words / C1

STRAND/strænd/

A strand is one thread or element in a story, plan, or argument; also a single fibre or a shore: a strand of the inquiry, strands of hair, stranded (left unable to leave). A thread is everyday; an aspect is wider; the whole cloth is the set. Do not drop the embargo strand from the press note.

Meaning

One thread or element in a story, plan, or argument; also a single fibre.

Examples

• “One strand of the protocol named the embargo; the press note ignored it.”
• “Thread is everyday. Element is a cousin. A beach can be a strand (literary). Stranded passengers are stuck. A protocol with three strands still needs all three in public. Cut one and you have a different document.”

Good to know

One thread of a larger whole. Everyday: thread. Also: fibre; shore; stranded (stuck). Dropping a strand is rewriting the protocol.

Near in meaning

thread

New