What is cider? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cider

cidernoun

/ˈsʌɪdə/
Definition & pronunciation of cider

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cider" in English! It's a tricky one because it's spelled similarly to how it's pronounced in some other languages.

Here's the most common and widely accepted pronunciation:

** /ˈsaɪdər/ (say-der)**

Let's break that down:

  • Say: Like the word "say."
  • Der: Like the word "dare" – rhymes with "care" or "bear."

Here's a little more detail:

  • The "c": In American English, the "c" is usually pronounced like a "s." This is a key difference from some European languages where "c" has a harder "k" sound.
  • Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("say").

Resources to help you hear it:

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Usage and examples with the word cider in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cider" in English! It has a few different meanings and uses. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. Cider as a Drink (Most Common)

  • What it is: Cider is a fermented alcoholic beverage made from apples. It's similar to wine, but it's made from apples rather than grapes.
  • Types of Cider:
    • Traditional Cider (Hard Cider): This is the most common kind – it's often stronger (around 6-8% alcohol) and has a more tart, complex flavor. It can range from dry to sweet.
    • Sweet Cider: Generally lower in alcohol content (often around 3-5%) and sweeter, often spiced (like mulled cider).
    • Dry Cider: Less sweet, often a brighter, fruitier flavor.
    • Sparkling Cider: Cider that's carbonated.
  • How to Use It in Sentences:
    • "I'm having a glass of hard cider with my dinner."
    • "She brought a crock of warm mulled cider to the party."
    • "He prefers dry cider over sweeter varieties."
    • “We tried several different local ciders at the orchard.”

2. Cider as a Verb (Less Common, Historically Relevant)

  • Meaning: Historically, “cider” was also a verb, meaning to “beat” or “massage” something, usually leather. This usage is very rare now.
  • Example (Historical): "He cidered the new saddle to soften the leather." (Meaning he beat it with a mallet or tool.)
  • Note: Unless you're writing historical fiction or discussing old crafts, you almost certainly won’t need to use "cider" as a verb.

3. Cider as a Noun (Referring to an Apple Tree)

  • Meaning: "Cider" can also refer to the fruit produced by an apple tree – the apples themselves.
  • Example: "The orchard was overflowing with cider apples."

4. Cider as a Place Name (Regional)

  • Cider Mill: A place where cider is made, typically an orchard with a facility to press apples and ferment the juice.
  • Cider Region: Areas known for high-quality cider production (e.g., the Hudson Valley in New York, parts of England).

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Meaning Part of Speech Example
Alcoholic Drink Noun "Let's try some cider."
Sweet Drink Noun "She made a batch of cider with cinnamon."
Strong Drink Noun “He enjoys a robust hard cider.”
Historical Beat Verb “He cidered the boots.” (rare)
Apples Noun “The trees were laden with cider.”
Orchard/Facility Noun "We visited the cider mill."

Resources for Learning More:

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Synonyms for the word cider

Practice with vocabulary cider

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many people enjoy a warm mug of spiced ________ during the autumn months.
  2. The company specializes in producing artisanal alcoholic ________ from locally sourced apples.
  3. For breakfast, I often have a glass of freshly squeezed orange ________.
  4. The new brewery is experimenting with various fruit-infused ________, including one made with elderberries.

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

  1. Which of the following can be produced from apples? a) Apple juice b) Hard cider c) Apple sauce d) Perry e) Apple pie

  2. When discussing beverages, which terms are generally associated with a fermented drink? a) Water b) Beer c) Soft drink d) Cider e) Wine

  3. In a casual setting, if someone offers you a "sweet, non-alcoholic apple drink," which options might they be referring to? a) Hard cider b) Apple juice c) Sparkling apple juice d) Sweet cider e) Apple wine

  4. Which of these beverages traditionally involves a primary ingredient other than fruit? a) Mead b) Perry c) Wine d) Kombucha

  5. To make a refreshing carbonated beverage, one might consider: a) Adding still water b) Using a soda stream c) Fermenting a sugary liquid d) Injecting carbon dioxide

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Many people find that fermented apple juice is a delightful beverage to consume at social gatherings. Rewrite using "cider":

  2. Original: The artisan produced a delightful sparkling beverage from pressed apples. Rewrite using "cider":

  3. Original: The chef decided to braise the pork in a sweet apple-based liquid to enhance its flavor. Rewrite without "cider", use a suitable replacement:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. cider
  2. cider
  3. juice
  4. beverages (or brew/drinks)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) Apple juice, b) Hard cider, c) Apple sauce, e) Apple pie
  2. b) Beer, d) Cider, e) Wine
  3. b) Apple juice, c) Sparkling apple juice, d) Sweet cider
  4. a) Mead, d) Kombucha
  5. b) Using a soda stream, c) Fermenting a sugary liquid, d) Injecting carbon dioxide

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Cider is often considered a delightful beverage for social gatherings.
  2. From pressed apples, the artisan crafted a delightful sparkling cider.
  3. To enhance the pork's flavor, the chef opted to braise it in a sweet apple reduction.

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