English vocabulary · C1
Couch
/kaʊtʃ/ · n., v.
To couch an idea is to put it into carefully chosen words. The message sounds softer, but the main point stays the same.
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Example sentences
- She couched the warning as advice.
- His note couched a firm refusal.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- couchier — lie down (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- PHRASE — put into words (Choose The Wording)
- FRAME — present in a way (Shape The View)
- EXPRESS — show with words (Make An Idea Clear)
Similar words
- phrase
- frame
- express
- present
- state
Lesson notes
To couch an idea is to put it into carefully chosen words. The message sounds softer, but the main point stays the same.
Related: phrase, frame, express. Use couch when soft words carry a hard message.
She couched the warning as advice. His note couched a firm refusal.
From Old French. Couchier means lie down. Lay a hard idea down softly in words; that is to couch it.