What is bookmark? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of bookmark

bookmarknoun

/ˈbʊkmɑːk/
Definition & pronunciation of bookmark

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bookmark." It's a tricky one for some! Here’s a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈbɜːrmɑːk/ (British English)
    • ˈbɜː - This is where it gets tricky. It sounds like "bur-ma" – the "r" is a bit flipped over to sound like an "r" and the "a" is a short "uh" sound, like in “butter.”
    • mark - Pronounced like the name "Mark."

American English pronunciation is slightly different:

  • /ˈbɔːrmɑːk/ (American English)
    • ˈbɔː - This sounds more like "boar-ma" – a longer "o" sound like in “boat.”
    • mark - Same as above.

Here’s a quick summary using IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • British: /ˈbɜːrmɑːk/
  • American: /ˈbɔːrmɑːk/

Resources for listening:

Tips:

  • Don't overemphasize the "r" sound - it's subtle.
  • Focus on the vowel sounds in "bur-ma" (British) or "boar-ma" (American).

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using "bookmark"?

Usage and examples with the word bookmark in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bookmark" in English. It's a pretty straightforward word, but understanding its nuances can help you use it correctly and effectively.

1. Basic Definition:

A bookmark is a small object (usually paper, plastic, metal, or cloth) that you use to mark the page you were last reading in a book, magazine, or other publication. Its primary purpose is to help you easily find your place.

2. Common Uses & Phrases:

  • "I use a colorful ribbon as a bookmark." (Describing what you use)
  • "Could you please put a bookmark in this book for me?" (Asking someone to mark a page)
  • "She left a handwritten note as a bookmark." (Describing the type of bookmark)
  • "The bookmark fell out of the book." (Referring to the object itself)
  • "I don't need a bookmark; I just remember where I was." (Expressing you don't use one)

3. Types of Bookmarks:

  • Paper Bookmarks: These are the most common and can be simple, decorative, or personalized.
  • Plastic Bookmarks: Often found in sets, they can be a little more durable.
  • Metal Bookmarks: Generally more substantial and can have intricate designs.
  • Fabric Bookmarks: Soft and often tied with ribbon or cord.
  • Digital Bookmarks: In e-readers and online reading, you can use the device's built-in bookmark function.

4. Idiomatic Expressions (Less Common, but worth knowing):

  • "To leaf through a book with a bookmark..." – This means to casually browse or flip through a book, using a bookmark to keep your place.

5. Example Sentences (Variety):

  • “My grandmother always gave me a beautiful handmade bookmark when I finished a book.”
  • “I misplaced my bookmark, and now I don’t remember where I left off.”
  • “The library has a selection of different bookmarks you can borrow.”
  • “He used a photo of his family as a unique bookmark.”

6. Pronunciation:

  • /ˈbʊrmɑːk/ (British English)
  • /ˈbʊrmɑːk/ (American English) (The ‘r’ sound is often softer in American English.)

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "bookmark" in a specific context (e.g., writing, conversation)?
  • Explain a particular aspect of the word in more detail (e.g., its history, different styles of bookmarks)?

Synonyms for the word bookmark

Practice with vocabulary bookmark

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Always remember to set a digital _______ on important resources for quick access later.
  2. She carefully placed a delicate silver _______ between the pages of her novel to mark her progress.
  3. During his research, he decided to _______ key paragraphs in the textbook to refer back to during exams.
  4. Please add a _______ to your calendar so you don't forget the upcoming deadline for the project proposal.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following actions can help you easily return to a specific webpage later? a) Bookmarking the page b) Adding it to your favorites c) Sending the link via email d) Deleting the browsing history

  2. What might you use to mark your current reading spot in a physical book? a) A Post-it note b) A bookmark c) Dog-earring a page d) A paperclip

  3. When conducting extensive online research, what is an effective strategy to keep track of valuable sources for future reference in your browser? a) Saving the page to your browser's reading list. b) Bookmarking the relevant pages. c) Emailing the links to yourself. d) Printing the entire web page.

  4. Which items are typically used in a professional setting to categorize and quickly locate different sections within a large report or binder? a) Index tabs b) Post-it notes c) Section dividers d) Highlighters

  5. If you want to permanently store a digital document or email for archival purposes, which action would be most appropriate? a) Deleting it to free up space. b) Moving it to a dedicated "archive" folder. c) Marking it as unread. d) Printing a physical copy.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. To ensure I could easily find that insightful article again, I saved its link. (Rewrite using "bookmark")

  2. She marked her place in the textbook at the exact page number where she stopped reading. (Rewrite using a form of "bookmark")

  3. He noted down the key points of the presentation for future reference. (Rewrite, but do not use "bookmark")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. bookmark
  2. bookmark
  3. highlight
  4. reminder

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) Bookmarking the page, b) Adding it to your favorites
  2. a) A Post-it note, b) A bookmark, c) Dog-earring a page, d) A paperclip
  3. a) Saving the page to your browser's reading list, b) Bookmarking the relevant pages
  4. a) Index tabs, c) Section dividers
  5. b) Moving it to a dedicated "archive" folder

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. I bookmarked the insightful article to ensure I could easily find it again.
  2. She bookmarked the exact page number where she stopped reading her textbook.
  3. He annotated the key points of the presentation for future reference.

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