What is bruise? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of bruise

bruisenoun/verb

/bruːz/
Definition & pronunciation of bruise

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bruise" in English. Here's a breakdown:

  • "bru": This part sounds like "broo" – similar to the word "brew" but with a shorter "oo" sound. It's a fairly short, quick sound.

  • "ise": This part sounds like "iz" – like the letter “Z.”

Putting it together: It's pronounced "broo-iz"

Here's a helpful breakdown with phonetic symbols (approximations):

/bruːs/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("bru").
  • "oo" sound: Make sure your "oo" sound is relatively short and not drawn out like in "blue."
  • Don't over-elongate: Try to say it smoothly and quickly.

You can also listen to a recording for reference:

  • Google: Search "how to pronounce bruise" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/bruise/ - this site has native speakers pronounce the word.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some words that sound similar to help you practice?

Usage and examples with the word bruise in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bruise" in English. It has a few different meanings and uses!

1. As a Physical Mark (Most Common)

  • Definition: A bruise is a discoloration of the skin that results from trauma, usually caused by a blow, bump, or impact. It's caused by blood leaking from damaged blood vessels under the skin.
  • How to use it:
    • "I have a bruise on my arm." (Simple statement of fact)
    • "She got a bruise after falling down the stairs." (Explaining the cause)
    • "The doctor examined the bruise and said it would fade in a week." (Describing a medical observation)
    • "He tried to hide the bruise with makeup." (Describing an action)
  • Related words: discoloration, hematoma, contusion, lividity (more formal)

2. Figuratively – Feeling Hurt or Discouraged

  • Definition: “Bruise” can also be used metaphorically to describe a feeling of sadness, disappointment, injury (emotional), or hurt. It suggests a lingering, often dull ache.
  • How to use it:
    • "She felt like a bruised peach - soft, fragile, and easily damaged." (Figurative description of her emotional state)
    • "He was heartbroken after she broke up with him, and he felt completely bruised." (Expressing emotional pain)
    • "The criticism left him feeling bruised and discouraged." (Describing the effect of the criticism)
    • "Don’t let her words bruise your confidence." (Giving advice – suggesting not to let negativity harm your self-esteem)
  • Key Point: When using "bruise" figuratively, it’s often followed by words that evoke a sense of vulnerability, sadness, or damage.

3. (Less Common) As a Verb – To Cause a Bruise

  • Definition: To bruise means to cause a bruise.
  • How to use it:
    • "He bruised his knee when he fell." (Describing the action of causing the bruise)
    • "The boxer bruised his opponent’s face."

Tips for Using "Bruise" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to whether you’re talking about a physical mark or an emotional state.
  • Figurative usage is more evocative: When using "bruise" metaphorically, choose descriptive words that enhance the feeling of sadness or hurt.
  • Don't overuse: While it’s a beautiful word, using "bruise" too frequently can sound overly dramatic.

Resources for More Information:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some example sentences showing different ways to use the word?
  • Explain the difference between “bruise” and similar words (like “hematoma” or “lividity”)?
  • Help you brainstorm a creative way to use “bruise” in a piece of writing?

Synonyms for the word bruise

Practice with vocabulary bruise

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the unexpected fall, a dark purple ______ began to form on his forearm.
  2. The company's reputation suffered a significant ______ after the scandal involving financial misconduct.
  3. She carefully applied a sterile dressing to the deep ______ on her leg caused by the jagged metal.
  4. The engineer identified a minor structural ______ in the bridge's support beam during the routine inspection.

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

  1. After hitting her knee on the conference table, she noticed a rapidly forming ______ on her skin. a) scratch b) bruise c) rash d) blister

  2. Which of the following words can describe a persistent emotional or psychological injury? a) trauma b) bruise c) scar d) abrasion

  3. If you handle fragile fruit too roughly, you might ______ it. a) spoil b) rupture c) bruise d) crush

  4. Which word best describes a superficial skin injury caused by scraping against a rough surface? a) fracture b) sprain c) abrasion d) contusion

  5. What might be the result of a severe impact that causes internal bleeding and swelling without breaking the skin, often larger than a typical bruise? a) a gash b) a laceration c) a hematoma d) a blister

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The recent economic downturn left a lasting negative impact on many small businesses.

    • Rewrite the sentence, starting with "The recent economic downturn left a lasting..." and using a form of "bruise".

  2. When transporting delicate instruments, you should handle them carefully to avoid damaging their surfaces.

    • Rewrite the sentence, starting with "When transporting delicate instruments, you should handle them carefully to avoid..." and using a form of "bruise".

  3. The continuous negative press significantly harmed the CEO's public image.

    • Rewrite the sentence, replacing "significantly harmed" with a single, suitable verb that does NOT use "bruise".

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the unexpected fall, a dark purple bruise began to form on his forearm.
  2. The company's reputation suffered a significant bruise after the scandal involving financial misconduct.
  3. She carefully applied a sterile dressing to the deep wound on her leg caused by the jagged metal.
  4. The engineer identified a minor structural defect in the bridge's support beam during the routine inspection.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) bruise
  2. a) trauma, b) bruise, c) scar
  3. c) bruise, d) crush
  4. c) abrasion
  5. c) hematoma

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The recent economic downturn left a lasting bruise on many small businesses.
  2. When transporting delicate instruments, you should handle them carefully to avoid bruising their surfaces.
  3. The continuous negative press significantly tarnished the CEO's public image.

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