What is blade? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of blade

bladenoun

/bleɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of blade

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "blade" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and it depends on where you are and what dialect you're hearing.

1. The most common pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈblæd (rhymes with "bad")
    • ˈ – This is a primary stress mark, meaning the first syllable is emphasized.
    • bl – Pronounced like the "bl" in "blue"
    • æ – This is the "a" sound as in "cat" or "bat" – a short, open vowel.
    • d – Pronounced like the "d" in "dog"

2. The British pronunciation:

  • bleɪd (rhymes with "laid")
    • ble - Pronounced like the "ble" in "bleach"
    • aɪ - This is the "i" sound as in "time" or "bite" - a diphthong.
    • d – Pronounced like the "d" in "dog"

Here's a quick way to remember:

  • American: Think of "bad."
  • British: Think of "laid."

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "blade" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (This will give you the American pronunciation.)
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/blade/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers of different dialects.

To help me give you the most accurate advice, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word blade in English

Let's break down how to use the word "blade" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Sharp Cutting Edge (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most frequent meaning. It refers to a sharp, narrow, and usually metal edge used for cutting.
  • Examples:
    • "The chef wielded a blade to slice the tomato."
    • "The knight's sword was a gleaming blade."
    • "A blade of grass pushed through the soil."
    • "The chainsaw's blade ripped through the wood."

2. Parts of Machinery & Tools

  • Definition: Often refers to the sharp, cutting part of a tool or machine.
  • Examples:
    • "The blade of the lawnmower needed sharpening."
    • "The turbine blade spun rapidly."
    • "The blade of the propeller was damaged."
    • "A circular saw’s blade can be dangerous if not used carefully."

3. Plant Parts (Botany)

  • Definition: A flat, leaf-like appendage attached to a stem. It's a botanical term.
  • Examples:
    • "The fern fronds were covered in sharp blades."
    • “The blades of the wheat swayed in the breeze."
    • "He collected a specimen of a plant with distinctive blades."

4. Figurative/Metaphorical Use

  • Definition: Sometimes used to represent a sharp point, a critical aspect, or a dangerous element.
  • Examples:
    • “His words were a sharp blade cutting through the complacency.” (Meaning he exposed something uncomfortable)
    • “The project faced a blade of criticism.” (Meaning a critical point)
    • "A blade of suspicion hung in the air." (Meaning a suspicion)

5. (Less Common) A type of martial weapon

  • Definition: A short, single-edged sword. (Think rapier or falchion)
  • Example: "The samurai drew his blade and charged into battle."

Important Considerations & Related Words:

  • Blade Runner: (Movie title) – Interestingly, "blade" is used here to refer to a sharp instrument.
  • Blade (noun) vs. Blade (verb): “Blade” is primarily a noun. You can use it as a verb, but it's less common and usually means “to cut with a blade.” Example: "He bladed the wood with his axe."

Tips for Using "Blade" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of “blade” is almost always clear from the surrounding words.
  • Specificity: When possible, use more specific words if they fit the context. For example, instead of "blade," you could say "knife," "saw," or "sword."

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

  • What are you trying to use "blade" in? (e.g., a sentence, a description, a creative writing piece?)
  • What is the general context of your writing or conversation?

Synonyms for the word blade

Practice with vocabulary blade

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The chef sharpened the _______ before slicing the vegetables.
  2. The wind turbine’s _______ spun rapidly in the strong breeze.
  3. She used a sharp _______ to cut the paper into precise shapes.
  4. The farmer repaired the _______ of the plow before starting work in the field.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which part of a knife is used for cutting?
    a) Handle
    b) Blade
    c) Edge
    d) Tip

  2. What is the rotating part of a windmill called?
    a) Propeller
    b) Blade
    c) Rotor
    d) Sail

  3. Which tool is essential for cutting grass?
    a) Shovel
    b) Rake
    c) Blade
    d) Hoe

  4. What is the flat, sharp part of a razor called?
    a) Guard
    b) Blade
    c) Handle
    d) Stem

  5. Which word best describes the edge of a sword?
    a) Point
    b) Blade
    c) Hilt
    d) Sheath

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The knife’s sharp edge cut through the bread easily.
    → The knife’s _______ sliced through the bread effortlessly.

  2. The helicopter’s rotating parts were inspected for damage.
    → The helicopter’s _______ were checked for any issues.

  3. The gardener used a tool to trim the bushes.
    → The gardener used a _______ to shape the bushes.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. blade
  2. blade
  3. knife
  4. blade

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Blade
  2. b) Blade
  3. c) Blade
  4. b) Blade
  5. b) Blade

Exercise 3:

  1. The knife’s blade sliced through the bread effortlessly.
  2. The helicopter’s blades were checked for any issues.
  3. The gardener used a trimmer to shape the bushes.

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