What is bench? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of bench

benchnoun

/bɛn(t)ʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of bench

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bench" in English. It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules!

Here's a breakdown:

  • Most Common Pronunciation (American English): /benches/ (Sounds like "bench")

    • "Bench" is pronounced with a short "e" sound, like in "bed." It's almost like you’re saying "ben" with a tiny "ch" at the end.
    • The "s" at the end is pronounced like a regular "s."

  • British English Pronunciation: /bɛnʃ/ (Sounds like "benesh")

    • "Benesh" is pronounced with a more emphasized "e" sound, similar to "pen."
    • The "sh" sound at the end is a very subtle, almost aspirated "sh" – it's often barely audible.

Tips to help you:

  • Focus on the "Ben" sound: Really emphasize the short "e" sound in "ben."
  • Don't over-emphasize the "ch": That's the key difficulty. It's not like the "ch" in "chair."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some online resources:

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

  • Are you aiming for American or British English pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word bench in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bench" in English. It has several different meanings! Here's a detailed explanation, categorized for clarity:

1. Furniture - A Seat:

  • Definition: This is the most common meaning. A bench is a long seat, often with a back, designed for several people to sit on.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "We sat on a wooden bench in the park."
    • "The cafe had a stone bench outside for customers."
    • "I need to buy a new bench for the entryway."

2. Sports - A Place to Rest:

  • Definition: In sports, particularly basketball, football, and baseball, a bench is a row of seats where substitute players wait to enter the game.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "The coach pointed to the bench, signaling a player to come on." (Basketball)
    • “He sat on the bench, frustrated after being benched for the entire game.” (Football)
    • “The batter stepped up to the plate after a long wait on the bench.” (Baseball)

3. Legal - A Place for Lawyers to Argue:

  • Definition: In a courtroom, a bench refers to the seat of a judge. It's a formal term.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "The judge took his seat on the bench."
    • “The lawyer addressed the bench, presenting his case.”
    • “The bench ruled in favor of the plaintiff.”

4. Idiomatic Phrases (Figurative Uses):

  • “To be on the bench” (Sports): To be a reserve player; not starting in a game. “He’s been on the bench all season because he hasn't been playing well.”
  • “To bench” (Weightlifting): To lower a weight using a barbell, typically on a weightlifting bench. "He spent an hour benching heavy weights."
  • "To bench a question" (Testing): To decline to answer a question (often in a formal setting like a deposition or interview). “The witness refused to bench the question.”

5. Other Less Common Uses:

  • Bench (Geology): A long, relatively level stretch of rock exposed by erosion.
  • Bench (Time): A period of time (e.g., “He was on the bench for three hours.”)

How to Choose the Right Meaning:

The context will almost always tell you which meaning is intended. Here's a quick guide:

  • Furniture: If you’re talking about sitting, it’s likely furniture.
  • Sports: If you’re talking about a game, it's a player’s seating area.
  • Courtroom: If you're discussing a legal case, it's the judge's seat.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "bench"? (e.g., "I'm writing a story about a park," or "I need to understand sports terminology," or "I'm reading a legal document.")

Synonyms for the word bench

Practice with vocabulary bench

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The researchers often took their breaks on the stone ________ outside the laboratory building.
  2. The legal team anxiously awaited the judge's return to the ________ to hear the final ruling.
  3. Please ensure each participant has a comfortable ________ at their workstation for the training session.
  4. The architect meticulously drew the plans on a spacious drafting ________.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following is typically a long, hard seat found outdoors in a public area? a) a couch b) a stool c) a bench d) an armchair

  2. Which term refers to a robust work surface used in laboratories or workshops, or the raised seat for a judge in court? a) a counter b) a desk c) a bench d) a console

  3. A sports team often has its substitute players waiting on the ________. a) sideline b) grandstand c) bench d) bleachers

  4. For a single person to sit comfortably at a workstation, the most common item of furniture is a: a) stool b) chair c) settee d) pew

  5. For showcasing valuable artifacts in a museum, items are often placed on specially designed ________. a) platforms b) plinths c) display cases d) benches

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence, incorporating a form of "bench" to refer to the judicial authority: The presiding judge delivered a critical ruling on the landmark case.

  2. Rewrite the sentence, using "bench" as a verb: Due to a minor injury, the coach decided to temporarily remove the key player from the starting lineup.

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using any form of "bench", providing a suitable replacement for a similar concept: The laboratory technicians require a sturdy surface to conduct their precise experiments.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. bench
  2. bench
  3. chair
  4. desk

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) a bench
  2. c) a bench
  3. c) bench
  4. b) chair
  5. a) platforms, b) plinths, c) display cases

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The critical ruling on the landmark case was delivered from the bench by the presiding judge.
  2. Due to a minor injury, the coach decided to bench the key player temporarily.
  3. The laboratory technicians require a sturdy workstation to conduct their precise experiments.

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