What is cabinet? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cabinet

cabinetnoun

/ˈkabɪnɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of cabinet

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cabinet" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio links for reference:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • KAY-bit

Let's break it down further:

  • KAY: Like the name "Kay"
  • bit: Like the word "bit" (as in, a small piece of something)

Here are some resources to hear it pronounced:

Important Notes:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("KAY").
  • Regional Variations: While "KAY-bit" is the standard, you might hear slight variations in some regions.

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Usage and examples with the word cabinet in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cabinet" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Furniture – A Physical Cabinet

  • Definition: This is the most common meaning – a piece of furniture, usually rectangular, with doors and shelves for storing things.
  • Examples:
    • "We have a beautiful wooden cabinet in the dining room."
    • “I need to move this old cabinet out of the hallway.”
    • “He stacked the dishes in the kitchen cabinet.”
    • “The cabinet drawers were full of old photographs.”

2. Government – A Group of Ministers

  • Definition: Refers to a group of ministers appointed to advise a head of state (like a prime minister or president). This is a political term.
  • Examples:
    • “The Prime Minister formed a new cabinet.”
    • “The cabinet met to discuss the budget.”
    • "There was a disagreement within the cabinet about the proposed policy."
    • "The cabinet reshuffle announced today..."

3. A Committee (Less Formal)

  • Definition: Sometimes, “cabinet” is used informally to refer to a group of people working together on a specific project or task, often with a decision-making role.
  • Examples:
    • "The school cabinet is organizing the fundraiser." (Referring to a group organizing the fundraiser)
    • "Let’s get a cabinet together to brainstorm ideas." (Referring to a team brainstorming)

4. Storage (More General)

  • Definition: Can be used more generally to refer to a place for storing things, especially in a formal or institutional setting.
  • Examples:
    • “The files are kept in a secure cabinet.”
    • “The documents are stored in a government cabinet.”
    • “The medicine was locked in a cabinet.”

Here’s a table summarizing the different usages:

Meaning Type Example
Furniture Physical "She organized her clothes in a cabinet."
Government Political “The cabinet debated the legislation.”
Committee Informal “The cabinet decided on the venue.”
General Storage General "The tools are in the workshop cabinet."

Tips for Using “Cabinet” Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “cabinet” is almost always clear from the surrounding words.
  • Be Aware of the Nuance: Using “cabinet” in a political sense implies a formal government structure.
  • Don't Overuse: While versatile, it’s a relatively formal word. Consider simpler words like “drawer,” “shelf,” or “box” if more appropriate.

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "cabinet"? (e.g., describing furniture, talking about politics, something else?)

Synonyms for the word cabinet

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