What is coin? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of coin

coinnoun

/kɔɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of coin

The word "coin" in English is pronounced "kohn".

Here's a breakdown:

  • k - as in "kite"
  • ohn - rhymes with "on"

You can hear it pronounced here: https://www.merriam-webster.com/audio/pronunciation/coin

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Usage and examples with the word coin in English

The word "coin" has several meanings in English! Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized by its different senses:

1. As a Monetary Currency (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To create or produce coins.
  • Usage: "The mint coins made of silver." "The government coins a new currency after the collapse."
  • Example: "He coins phrases to describe his feelings." (Here, it’s used figuratively – he creates expressions for his emotions.)

2. To Invent or Formulate (Figurative)

  • Meaning: To create or devise something new, often an idea, expression, or argument.
  • Usage: “The lawyer coined a brilliant legal argument.” “She coined the phrase ‘thinking outside the box.’” "The author coins colorful metaphors."
  • Example: "The band coins their own slang terms for their music."

3. To Flip a Coin (Gambling/Decision Making)

  • Meaning: To toss a coin to decide between two options.
  • Usage: "We’ll coin a decision – let’s flip a coin to see who gets the first pick." “He decided to coin it; he didn’t want to risk losing everything.”
  • Example: "Let's coin a way to resolve this disagreement."

4. (Less Common - Archaic) To Provide or Supply

  • Meaning: To give or provide something, often money, but this is rarely used in modern English.
  • Usage: “He coined his family a generous inheritance.” (This sounds very formal and might be better expressed as "he left his family…")

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Usage Example
Monetary Currency “The king coins gold for his army.”
Invent/Formulate “She coins innovative marketing strategies.”
Flip a Coin “Let’s coin a decision – flip a coin.”
(Archaic) Provide “He coins his children with education.”

Tips for Choosing the Right Meaning:

  • Context is Key: The way "coin" is used depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Pay attention to whether it's being used literally (referring to actual coins) or figuratively (referring to ideas or phrases).

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word coin

Idioms of the word coin

the other side of the coin
the aspect of a situation that is the opposite of or contrasts with the one you have been talking about
    two sides of the same coin
    used to talk about two ways of looking at the same situation

      Practice with vocabulary coin

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The vending machine only accepts exact change, so make sure you have a ____ ready.
      2. She found a rare ____ from ancient Rome while cleaning her attic.
      3. The artist decided to ____ a new term for her unique style of painting.
      4. He used a ____ to scratch off the lottery ticket, hoping for a big win.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. Which of the following is a form of currency?
        a) Coin
        b) Leaf
        c) Brick
        d) Cloud

      2. What might you toss to decide who goes first in a game?
        a) A ball
        b) A coin
        c) A book
        d) A shoe

      3. Which word refers to a small, flat piece of metal used in transactions?
        a) Paper
        b) Coin
        c) Stone
        d) Plastic

      4. Which of these words means to invent or create something new?
        a) Copy
        b) Mint
        c) Destroy
        d) Borrow

      5. What do you call the side of a coin that usually features a person's head?
        a) Obverse
        b) Reverse
        c) Edge
        d) Middle

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: She flipped a penny to decide.
        Rewrite: She tossed a coin to make her decision.

      2. Original: The entrepreneur introduced a new idea to the market.
        Rewrite: The entrepreneur coined a new concept for the industry.

      3. Original: The museum displayed ancient currencies from different civilizations.
        Rewrite: The museum showcased historical money from various cultures.

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. coin
      2. coin
      3. coin
      4. coin

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. a) Coin
      2. b) Coin
      3. b) Coin
      4. b) Mint
      5. a) Obverse

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. She tossed a coin to make her decision.
      2. The entrepreneur coined a new concept for the industry.
      3. The museum showcased historical money from various cultures.

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