What is basket? Pronunciation and usage in English

basket means . Learn how to pronounce and use basket through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of basket

basketnoun

/ˈbɑːskɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of basket

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "basket" in English. It's a tricky one for some! Here's the breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈbæskt/ (pronounced: BASKT)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "bas": This part sounds like the beginning of the word "bass" (the musical note). It's a short, crisp sound.
  2. "ket": This is where a lot of people stumble! It's not pronounced like the word "ket" (as in a scarf). Instead, it’s a very short, almost silent "t" sound. It's almost like you're dropping the "t" completely. Think of it as a quick, subtle tap of the tongue against the roof of your mouth.

Here’s how it sounds (using phonetic symbols - this is a helpful but not perfect representation):

ˈbæskt

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "bas" sound: Make it sound like the musical note bass.
  • Minimize the "t": Really try to drop the "t" sound. It shouldn’t be pronounced at all.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is by hearing it. Search on YouTube or Merriam-Webster's website for the pronunciation: https://www.merriam-webster.com/audio/pronunciation/basket

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences you can say with "basket"?
  • Compare it to how it might be pronounced differently in other languages?

Usage and examples with the word basket in English

Let's break down how to use the word "basket" in English. It's a versatile word with many different meanings and uses! Here's a comprehensive guide, broken down into categories:

1. Literal Meaning: A Container

  • Definition: A container, usually made of woven material (like reeds, straw, or plastic), with a handle and a base, used for carrying things.
  • Examples:
    • "She put the apples in a basket."
    • "We bought groceries in a large shopping basket."
    • "He carried his picnic lunch in a wicker basket."
    • "Don't leave your belongings in an unattended basket."

2. Types of Baskets – Specific Uses

  • Shopping Basket: (As mentioned above) – For carrying items to the checkout.
  • Wicker Basket: A classic, often decorative basket made of woven reeds.
  • Wire Basket: Used for storing laundry, fruit, or vegetables.
  • Fruit Basket: Specifically designed for holding fruit.
  • Hay Basket: Used for storing hay or straw.
  • Laundry Basket: For collecting dirty clothes.
  • Weaving Basket: A basket used for creating woven items.

3. Figurative Meanings (Idiomatic Expressions)

This is where “basket” gets interesting!

  • To put someone in a basket (idiom): To completely exclude someone from something, to ignore them.
    • "Don't put him in a basket; he's a valuable member of the team."
  • Basket case (slang – strongly discouraged): A person who is severely mentally disturbed or dysfunctional. Important Note: This term is considered extremely offensive and should be avoided.
  • Basket of woe (idiom): A collection of problems or troubles.
    • "He's got a real basket of woe going on right now."
  • Basket of fish (idiom): A large quantity of something.
    • “The baker sold a basket of fish this morning.” (Meaning a lot of fish)

4. Grammatical Usage

  • Singular vs. Plural: "Basket" can be used as a singular or plural noun.
    • Singular: "I need a basket."
    • Plural: "I have several baskets."
  • Possessive: "The woman’s basket was full of flowers."

5. Phrases and Expressions

  • Basket weave: The technique of creating patterns by weaving threads into a basket.
  • To weave a basket: To create a basket by weaving materials.
  • Basket maker: Someone who makes baskets.

Tips for Using “Basket” Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "basket" depends heavily on the context.
  • Be mindful of idioms: Pay attention to whether you’re using the word literally or figuratively. The figurative meanings have potentially negative connotations, so be cautious.
  • Consider the type of basket: When describing a specific type of basket (e.g., "wicker basket," "fruit basket"), be precise.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you working on a specific writing task or conversation where you want to use "basket"?
  • Is there a particular meaning of "basket" you're struggling with (e.g., the figurative uses)?

Synonyms for the word basket

Idioms of the word basket

put all your eggs in one basket
to rely on one particular course of action for success rather than giving yourself several different possibilities
  • I’ve applied for several jobs. I don’t want to put all my eggs in one basket.

Practice with vocabulary basket

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To minimize risk, financial advisors often recommend a diverse ______ of investments.
  2. The grocery store provides large wheeled ______ for customers to use while shopping.
  3. She placed the newly knitted scarf into the decorative ______ by the fireplace.
  4. All outgoing mail should be sorted into the appropriate trays or the designated mail ______ on the reception desk.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms can describe a collection of related but diverse items, especially in finance or economics? a) bundle b) basket c) batch d) portfolio

  2. If you are organizing a small, curated selection of artisanal goods for a gift, which might be the most appropriate container? a) crate b) hamper c) basket d) bin

  3. When discussing a collection of currencies used as a benchmark, which word is typically employed? a) pool b) basket c) stock d) fund

  4. Which word best describes a strong, often woven container, typically used for laundry or storage of household items? a) bucket b) barrel c) hamper d) case

  5. The IT department needed a secure place to dispose of old hardware. Which of these would be most suitable? a) drawer b) cabinet c) receptacle d) bin

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The committee presented a varied collection of proposals for the new policy. Rewrite using "basket" or a related form:

  2. She put all the freshly washed towels into the container designated for clean linens. Rewrite using "basket" or a related form:

  3. The museum acquired an extensive range of historical artifacts for its new exhibition. Rewrite without using "basket":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To minimize risk, financial advisors often recommend a diverse basket of investments.
  2. The grocery store provides large wheeled carts for customers to use while shopping.
  3. She placed the newly knitted scarf into the decorative basket by the fireplace.
  4. All outgoing mail should be sorted into the appropriate trays or the designated mail bin on the reception desk.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) bundle, b) basket, d) portfolio
  2. b) hamper, c) basket
  3. b) basket
  4. c) hamper
  5. d) bin

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The committee presented a varied basket of proposals for the new policy.
  2. She put all the freshly washed towels into the basket designated for clean linens.
  3. The museum acquired an extensive assortment of historical artifacts for its new exhibition.

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