Mine Meaning
Mine Definition & Usage
Used to indicate that something belongs to the speaker.
Examples
- "That book is mine."
- "This is my car; the one over there is yours, but the keys are mine."
- "We were sitting under the big tree, and then someone took my blanket, but I got it back—it's mine!"
- "Is this your pen or mine?"
- "I’ll take the second slice of pizza, it’s mine."
A deep excavation from which minerals, ores, or other natural resources are extracted.
Examples
- "The gold mine in this region is one of the richest in the world."
- "The miners descended into the mine every day to extract coal."
- "He inherited a mine from his grandfather, which had been in operation for decades."
- "There’s a mine near the mountain where we used to hike."
- "They discovered a new copper mine in the area after years of exploration."
To plant or set an explosive device, usually in the ground, intended to cause damage or destruction when triggered.
Examples
- "The enemy soldiers mined the bridge to prevent us from crossing."
- "They found several land mines buried along the road."
- "After the blast, the area was cleared of mines."
- "The mine was set off remotely, causing a huge explosion."
- "He carefully mined the entrance to the cave to trap anyone who followed."
Cultural Context
The word 'mine' comes from the Old English word 'min,' meaning 'belonging to me.' Over time, its use extended beyond mere possession to describe specific places and actions related to extraction, as in a mine for minerals or the act of mining. In the context of warfare, 'mining' has been used since the early modern period to refer to the practice of digging tunnels or setting explosives.
The Treasure Beneath
Story
The Treasure Beneath
In the quiet village of Bellwood, there was an old mine that had been abandoned for years. The villagers spoke of its treasures, of gold and gemstones buried deep beneath the earth. Jacob, a young man with dreams bigger than the small village, decided to venture into the forgotten mine. He had heard tales from his grandfather, who once worked there, of a hidden chamber that contained the fortune of a lifetime. As he descended into the mine, the air grew colder, and the walls echoed with the sounds of his footsteps. He pulled out his lantern and set off, carefully avoiding the crumbling rocks. Every now and then, he would find a glimmer of gold or a gemstone wedged between the walls—proof that the mine's riches were real. However, as Jacob ventured deeper, he realized that the mine held more than just treasure. The walls were rigged with old, forgotten explosives—mines, placed to protect the secrets hidden within. It wasn’t just gold he was after; it was a matter of survival. He had to tread carefully, mapping the terrain in his mind to avoid setting off any of the hidden traps. The deeper he went, the more he understood that the mine was a part of his family’s legacy, something his grandfather had left behind for him, not just as a treasure but as a warning. As he reached the end of the mine, he found a small chamber—just as his grandfather had described. But there was no gold there, no jewels, only an inscription on the wall: 'The greatest treasure is the wisdom you gain along the journey.' Jacob left the mine, realizing that sometimes, what you think is yours may not be what you need most.
