What is cherry? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cherry

cherrynoun

/ˈtʃeri//ˈtʃeri/
Definition & pronunciation of cherry

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cherry" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ** /ˈtʃerri/ (Cher-ree)**

Let's break that down further:

  • "Cher": This part sounds like the word "chair" but with a slightly shorter "e" sound. It's a quick, light "ch" sound, like in "cheese."
  • "ree": This part sounds like the letter "r" – a quick, single "r" sound. It’s not a rolling "r" like you might hear in Spanish.

Here's a helpful way to think about it:

Imagine saying "chair" and then quickly adding a short "ee" sound. That’s pretty close!

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Just type "how to pronounce cherry" into Google and select the audio button (speaker icon).
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/cherry/ – This website lets you hear the word pronounced by native speakers from different regions.
  • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce cherry" - you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Important Note: There's a less common, older pronunciation that sounds like “chairy,” but the “Cher-ree” pronunciation is far more prevalent today.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide a phonetic transcription (a more technical spelling of the sounds)?
  • Compare the pronunciation to similar-sounding words (like "cherry pie")?

Usage and examples with the word cherry in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cherry" in English! It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings and uses. Here's a detailed look:

1. The Fruit (Most Common)

  • Definition: A small, round, red, yellow, or dark-red fruit with a sweet, juicy flesh and a single pit.
  • Examples:
    • “I love eating cherries on a hot summer day.”
    • “She picked a handful of cherries from the tree.”
    • “Cherries are a good source of antioxidants.”
    • “We made cherry pie.”

2. Figurative Meanings (Referring to Qualities)

This is where "cherry" gets really interesting. It’s often used as a metaphor – a charming, desirable, or special quality.

  • "Cherry on top": This is the most common figurative use. It means something extra that makes something already good even better.
    • “Getting a promotion was the cherry on top of a fantastic year.”
    • “The concert was great, but finding a parking spot right in front of the venue was the cherry on top!”
  • "Cherry picker": Someone who is skilled and successful, often in a particular field. (Often with a slightly dismissive or envious tone).
    • “She's a real cherry picker when it comes to choosing investment opportunities."
  • "Cherry-picked": To select only the most favorable bits of information or evidence while ignoring the rest – often used in a critical way to accuse someone of bias or manipulation.
    • “The politician cherry-picked statistics to support his argument.”
  • “A cherry” (as in, a really good or special thing): This is an older usage, less common today. It means something particularly desirable or pleasing.
    • "He’s a real cherry of a man - always helpful and cheerful."

3. Other Uses

  • Cherry Wood: The wood of the cherry tree, prized for its reddish color and smooth texture.
    • "The furniture is made of cherry wood."
  • Cherry Red: A bright, vibrant shade of red.
    • "She wore a cherry red dress."
  • Cherry Bomb: (Slang) A small, powerful explosive device – this use is rare nowadays.

Tips for Using "Cherry" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "cherry" depends heavily on the context.
  • "Cherry on top" is widely understood: It’s a very common idiom.
  • Be mindful of the figurative usage: When using "cherry picker" or "cherry-picked," consider the potential for misunderstanding.

Resources for More Information:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "cherry" in a sentence?
  • Explain a specific usage in more detail (e.g., "cherry-picked")?
  • Give you some synonyms for "cherry" (depending on the meaning)?

Synonyms for the word cherry

Idioms of the word cherry

a bite at/of the cherry
(British English)an opportunity to do something
  • You only get one bite at the cherry in life.
  • They were eager for a second bite of the cherry.

Practice with vocabulary cherry

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The final presentation served as the ______ on top of months of meticulous research, bringing the project to a successful close.
  2. The antique sideboard was crafted from polished ______ wood, known for its reddish-brown hue and smooth finish.
  3. The auditor discovered a crucial ______ in the financial records, requiring immediate attention to reconcile the accounts.
  4. During the strategic meeting, they decided to ______ the most promising ideas for further development, discarding less viable options.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of these phrases correctly uses 'cherry' in a common idiomatic or descriptive sense? A) Cherry-picking the data to support a biased conclusion B) Her new car was a striking cherry-red color C) The successful merger was the cherry on top of an excellent fiscal year D) The company needs to cherry-bomb its marketing strategy for better results

  2. Which material is often prized in high-end furniture making for its rich, reddish-brown color, fine grain, and ability to age beautifully? A) Pine B) Maple C) Oak D) Cherry

  3. In a professional context, if a manager is accused of "cherry-picking" tasks, what does that imply about their approach? A) They are selecting tasks randomly without careful consideration. B) They are choosing only the easiest or most favorable tasks for themselves or their team. C) They are taking on the most challenging tasks to prove their competence. D) They are carefully evaluating all tasks to ensure fair distribution.

  4. Which word refers to a small, sweet, red fruit that typically grows in clusters on a vine and is often used to make wine? A) Strawberry B) Raspberry C) Grape D) Blueberry

  5. To analyze a complex legal document in great detail, meticulously examining every clause and condition, you would typically ______ through it. A) skim B) glance C) peruse D) scan

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager was criticized for only choosing the most favorable data points to support his argument. (Rewrite using a form of "cherry")

  2. Securing the major international contract was the absolute highlight of the company's fiscal year, surpassing all expectations. (Rewrite using "cherry")

  3. The research team made a small but crucial change to the algorithm, which significantly improved the processing efficiency. (Rewrite without using "cherry")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. cherry
  2. cherry
  3. discrepancy
  4. prioritize

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A, B, C
  2. D) Cherry
  3. B
  4. C) Grape
  5. C) Peruse

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager was criticized for cherry-picking the most favorable data points to support his argument.
  2. Securing the major international contract was the cherry on top of the company's fiscal year, surpassing all expectations.
  3. The research team made a critical refinement to the algorithm, which significantly improved the processing efficiency.

Comment ()