What is cast? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cast

castverb

/kɑːst/
Definition & pronunciation of cast

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cast" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends on whether you're talking about the verb (to throw) or the noun (a mold or a group of actors).

1. "Cast" as a Verb (to throw):

  • Pronunciation: /kæst/ (rhymes with "past")
  • Breakdown:
    • ka: Sounds like the "ca" in "car"
    • st: Sounds like "st" in "stop" (a short, crisp sound)

2. "Cast" as a Noun (a mold or a group of actors):

  • Pronunciation: /kɑːst/ (rhymes with "post") - This is the more common pronunciation when referring to a mold or a performing group.
  • Breakdown:
    • kɑː: Sounds like "car" (but slightly longer and more drawn-out). The "a" is a broad, open vowel sound.
    • st: Same as above - "st" in "stop"

Here's a quick comparison table:

Word Pronunciation Rhyme
Cast (verb) /kæst/ past
Cast (noun) /kɑːst/ post

Resources to help you hear the pronunciation:

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

  • What are you using "cast" for? (e.g., are you trying to pronounce it when you're throwing something, or are you referring to a stage production?)

Usage and examples with the word cast in English

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

1. Casting (in Theater & Film):

  • Definition: This is the most common association of "cast." It refers to the process of selecting actors for a play, movie, or television show.
  • Phrases:
    • "The director cast a new lead actor." – Meaning the director chose a new actor for the main role.
    • "The cast of the play includes..." – Listing the actors in the production.
    • “She’s been cast in a major film.” – She has been selected for a role in a significant movie.
    • “He auditioned for the cast.” – He tried out for a role in the production.
  • Example: "The producers are holding auditions to cast the roles in the upcoming musical."

2. To Pour (Liquid):

  • Definition: This is the original meaning of "cast," meaning to pour something, typically a liquid, into a mold or container.
  • Phrases:
    • "Cast the concrete." – Pour concrete into a form.
    • "Cast the wax." – Pour wax into a mold.
    • "Cast a spell." – (Figurative) To use magic or influence powerfully (this comes from the idea of shaping something with a ritual).
  • Example: “We need to cast the resin to create this jewelry piece.”

3. To Throw (Something Hard):

  • Definition: To throw something with force, often a hard object.
  • Phrases:
    • "Cast a stone." – To throw a stone.
    • "Cast a glance." – To quickly look or glance.
  • Example: "He cast the ball down the field with a powerful throw."

4. To Form or Shape (Vastly – often with metal, stone, etc.):

  • Definition: To mold or shape something, often a solid material like metal or stone, into a desired form. This is less common in everyday conversation now.
  • Phrases:
    • “The sculptor cast the statue from bronze.” - The sculptor created the statue by pouring molten bronze into a mold.
  • Example: “The metalworkers cast intricate designs into the gates.”

5. As a Verb in the Present Participle/Gerund (Describing Action):

  • Definition: "Casting" can also be used as a continuous verb, describing an ongoing action.
  • Phrases:
    • “The cast is rehearsing for the opening night.” – The actors are currently in the process of rehearsing.
  • Example: “She’s been casting for weeks, trying to find the right actors.”

Here's a quick table to summarize:

Meaning Definition Example
Theater/Film Selecting actors for a production "The director cast a talented actress."
Pouring Liquid Pouring into a mold or container "Cast the chocolate into the mold."
Throwing Throwing with force "He cast a rock into the lake."
Shaping Forming or molding a solid material "The blacksmith cast a horseshoe."
Continuous Action Ongoing process (e.g., rehearsing) “The cast is rehearsing tirelessly.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What context are you encountering the word “cast” in? (e.g., reading a play, watching a movie, hearing someone talking about art, etc.)

Synonyms for the word cast

Idioms of the word cast

cast/run an eye/your eyes over something
to look at or examine something quickly
  • Could you just run your eyes over this report?
  • I cast my eyes around the room but couldn't see any familiar faces.
cast/shed/throw light on something
to make a problem, etc. easier to understand
  • Recent research has cast new light on the causes of the disease.
cast/shed/throw light on something
to make a problem, etc. easier to understand
  • Recent research has thrown new light on the causes of the disease.
cast your mind back (to something)
to make yourself think about something that happened in the past
  • I want you to cast your minds back to the first time you met.
cast your net wide
to consider a lot of different people, activities, possibilities, etc. when you are looking for something
  • It’s worth casting your net wide when applying for your first job.
cast a spell (on somebody/something)
to use words that are thought to be magic and have the power to change or influence somebody/something
    the die is cast
    (saying)used to say that an event has happened or a decision has been made that cannot be changed
      draw/cast lots (for something/to do something)
      to use a method of choosing somebody/something that involves putting a number folded pieces of paper in a bag, one of them with a mark on it. People then take it in turns to take a piece of paper from the bag and the one who takes the paper with the mark on it is chosen.
      • They drew lots for the right to go first.
      throw/cast caution to the wind(s)
      to stop caring about how dangerous something might be; to start taking risks
      • He threw caution to the wind and dived into the water after the child.

      Practice with vocabulary cast

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The director decided to _____ a new actor for the lead role in the upcoming film.
      2. She carefully _____ her line into the lake, hoping to catch a fish.
      3. The committee will _____ its vote during the meeting to determine the winner.
      4. He _____ a shadow on the wall as he stood in front of the bright light.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. What word best describes the group of actors in a play or film?
        a) crew
        b) cast
        c) audience
        d) script
      2. Which word means to throw something forcefully?
        a) toss
        b) cast
        c) drop
        d) hold
      3. In a medical context, what is a rigid covering used to support a broken bone?
        a) bandage
        b) cast
        c) splint
        d) wrap
      4. What word refers to the process of selecting actors for a production?
        a) audition
        b) rehearsal
        c) casting
        d) filming
      5. Which word means to emit light or shadow?
        a) reflect
        b) shine
        c) cast
        d) absorb

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: The people who act in the play were chosen carefully.
        Rewrite: The cast for the play was chosen carefully.
      2. Original: She threw her fishing line into the water.
        Rewrite: She cast her fishing line into the water.
      3. Original: The sunlight created a shadow on the ground.
        Rewrite: The sunlight cast a shadow on the ground.

      Answers:

      Exercise 1:

      1. cast
      2. cast
      3. cast
      4. cast

      Exercise 2:

      1. b) cast
      2. b) cast
      3. b) cast
      4. c) casting
      5. c) cast

      Exercise 3:

      1. The cast for the play was chosen carefully.
      2. She cast her fishing line into the water.
      3. The sunlight cast a shadow on the ground.

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