What is cable? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cable

cablenoun

/ˈkeɪbl/
Definition & pronunciation of cable

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cable" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends slightly on where you are (American vs. British English).

1. American English (Most Common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈkeɪ.bəl/ (KAY-buhl)
  • Breakdown:
    • "KAY": Say it like the word "key"
    • "buhl": This is a soft "b" sound, almost like "wool" but shorter and with a "uhl" ending. It's not a harsh "b."

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /ˈkæb.əl/ (KAB-uhl)
  • Breakdown:
    • "KAB": Similar to the American pronunciation, say it like "cab"
    • "uhl": Again, a short, soft "uhl" sound.

Here's a helpful resource to hear the pronunciation:

To summarize the key difference: The "a" sound is the primary difference. In American English, it's "KAY," and in British English, it's "KAB."

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

Usage and examples with the word cable in English

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

1. Physical Cable (Most Common)

  • Definition: A long, flexible strand of wire, often bundled together.
  • Uses:
    • Electronics: “The cable connecting my headphones to my phone is frayed.”
    • Network Infrastructure: “The technicians installed a new fiber optic cable to improve internet speed.”
    • Shipping/Maritime: “The ship relied on underwater cables to transmit data.”
    • General: "I need a power cable for my new device."

2. Telegraph/Communication Cable

  • Definition: Historically, this refers to a cable used to send messages via telegraph. Now, it’s more broadly used to refer to communication channels.
  • Uses:
    • Historical: “The Victorian era relied heavily on transatlantic cables for news.”
    • Figurative: “I sent a cable to my boss requesting time off." (Meaning an email or message - this is a common, informal use.)
    • Business/Finance: “The company received a cable from its London office with instructions.” (Formal, often used in international business)

3. Cable (Clothing – Sweater)

  • Definition: A type of knitted sweater, often with a cable knit pattern (diagonal ridges).
  • Uses: “She wore a chunky wool cable sweater.” "He was sporting a classic fisherman's cable sweater."

4. Cable (Mountain/Slope)

  • Definition: A steep, often rocky, slope or incline.
  • Uses: “The hikers had to climb a treacherous cable up the mountain.” “The cable was icy and difficult to descend.”

5. Cable (Verbs Related to Sending/Transmitting)

  • To cable: To send a message via telegraph (rare now, but still used in historical contexts).
  • To cable someone: To send a message/email/letter to someone. "I need to cable my family to let them know I'm on vacation." Often used in more formal settings.

6. Cable (Adjective - related to wires/connections)

  • Cable-connected: “A cable-connected speaker system offers superior sound quality.”

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Context is crucial. The meaning of “cable” will almost always be clear from the surrounding words.
  • Informal vs. Formal: “Sending a cable” is more formal than “emailing someone.”
  • Cable Knit Pattern: When talking about sweaters, “cable knit” refers to the specific knitted pattern.

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 "cable"? (e.g., are you writing a story, having a conversation, working on a project?)

Synonyms for the word cable

Practice with vocabulary cable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The technician ensured the __________ was securely connected to the router.
  2. She used a __________ to tie the heavy boxes together for moving.
  3. The internet connection was lost due to a damaged __________.
  4. He replaced the old __________ with a new HDMI __________ for better video quality.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following is used to transmit electricity or data?
    a) Wire
    b) Cable
    c) Rope
    d) String

  2. What do you need to connect your computer to a monitor?
    a) Pipe
    b) Cable
    c) Chain
    d) Thread

  3. Which of these is commonly used in construction to lift heavy objects?
    a) Cable
    b) Cord
    c) Rope
    d) Wire

  4. Which word refers to a thin, flexible strand of metal?
    a) Cable
    b) Wire
    c) Rope
    d) Thread

  5. What is used to secure a boat to the dock?
    a) Cable
    b) Rope
    c) Chain
    d) Wire

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The internet connection was unstable because the wire was damaged.
    Rewrite: The internet connection was unstable because the __________ was damaged.

  2. Original: She tied the packages together using a thick rope.
    Rewrite: She secured the packages with a sturdy __________.

  3. Original: The suspension bridge relies on strong steel ropes for support.
    Rewrite: The suspension bridge relies on strong steel __________ for support.

Answers

Exercise 1:

  1. cable
  2. rope
  3. cable
  4. wire, cable

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Wire, b) Cable
  2. b) Cable
  3. a) Cable, c) Rope
  4. b) Wire
  5. b) Rope, c) Chain

Exercise 3:

  1. The internet connection was unstable because the cable was damaged.
  2. She secured the packages with a sturdy cable.
  3. The suspension bridge relies on strong steel cables for support.

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