What is conjure? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of conjure

conjureverb

/ˈkʌndʒə(r)//ˈkɑːndʒər/

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

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "con": This part is fairly straightforward. It sounds like "con" as in "cone" or "connect."
  • "jure": This is where it gets interesting. It's not pronounced like "jew" (as in a precious stone). Instead, it’s closer to "your" but with a “j” sound at the beginning.

2. The Full Pronunciation:

The whole word is pronounced something like this:

ˈkɒnʒər (British English) or ˈkɑːnʒər (American English)

Let’s break that down further:

  • ˈkɒn (British) / ˈkɑːn (American): Emphasis on the first syllable. "Con" as in "cone."
  • ʒər: This is the tricky part. The "j" makes a "zh" sound, like the "s" in “measure” or “treasure.” The “r” is a very light, almost silent “r” at the end (American English) or a slightly more pronounced “r” (British English).

3. Tips & Breakdown:

  • Think "con-your": Mentally linking those two words can help you get the rhythm and sounds right.
  • The "j" sound is key: Really focus on making that "zh" sound. It's a voiced postalveolar fricative - a mouthful! But just listen to it and try to mimic it.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it said correctly. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word conjure in English

Let's break down how to use the word "conjure." It's a wonderfully evocative word with a few different nuances! Here's a breakdown of its meanings and how to use it effectively:

1. Core Meaning: To Create or Summon (Often Magical)

  • Original Meaning (From Witchcraft): This is where the word comes from. "Conjure" originally referred to the practices of witchcraft – the act of summoning spirits or influencing events through magic.

    • Example: "The old woman used her conjure to bring rain to the drought-stricken fields." (This suggests a magical, supernatural element)

  • Figurative Meaning (Creating Mental Images): More commonly today, “conjure” means to create a vivid mental image or impression. It’s about bringing something to mind through words or experiences.

    • Example: “The music conjures up memories of my childhood summers.” (The music makes you think of childhood summers.)
    • Example: “Her description of the forest conjured a scene of ancient trees and dappled sunlight.” (The description creates a clear image in your mind.)

2. Other Meanings & Related Uses

  • To Bring to Mind (Similar to "Recall"): You can use "conjure" to describe bringing something to someone’s memory.

    • Example: “The smell of pine needles conjured up his camping trips.” (The smell reminded him of his camping trips.)

  • To Generate or Produce (Often Effortlessly): It can mean to create something suddenly or easily, sometimes with a sense of surprise or effortlessness.

    • Example: "The cold weather conjured a craving for hot chocolate." (The cold weather caused you to want hot chocolate.)
    • Example: “He conjured a brilliant idea during the brainstorming session.” (He suddenly came up with a fantastic idea.)

  • To Fabricate or Invent (Negative Connotation): Less frequently, “conjure” can imply creating something false or deceptive. This usage is less common.

    • Example: "He conjured a story to explain his absence." (He made up a story - not necessarily a good one)

Key Points & How to Use It Well:

  • Strong Imagery: "Conjure" is a stronger word than simply "think" or "remember." It implies a powerful and almost sensory experience.
  • Context is Crucial: Pay attention to the context to understand which meaning is intended. Magical connotations are often present when talking about historically or fantasy settings.
  • Show, Don't Tell: When using "conjure" to create imagery, show the reader what's going through someone's mind or senses, rather than just telling them they’re remembering something.

Here's a table to summarize:

Meaning Example Context
Magical Summoning "The sorcerer conjured a dragon." Fantasy, magical stories
Vivid Mental Image “The sunset conjured a feeling of peace.” Descriptive writing, personal reflection
Bring to Mind “The song conjured memories of her.” Recollection, emotional responses
Generate/Produce “The rain conjured a muddy field.” Natural phenomena, cause and effect
Fabricate(Less Common) “He conjured an alibi.” Potentially untrustworthy situations

Resources for Further Exploration:

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

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, something else?)
  • Do you have a specific sentence in mind where you want to use "conjure"?

Synonyms for the word conjure

Idioms of the word conjure

a name to conjure with
North American Englisha person or thing that is well known and respected in a particular field
  • Miyazaki is still a name to conjure with among anime fans.
(humorous)used when you mention a name that you think is difficult to remember or pronounce
  • He comes from Tighnabruaich—now there's a name to conjure with!

Practice with vocabulary conjure

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The architect managed to _______ a vivid image of the proposed building, complete with shimmering glass and green spaces.
  2. Despite limited resources, the team was able to _______ an innovative solution to the client's complex problem.
  3. The marketing department worked tirelessly to _______ a new slogan that would resonate with their target audience.
  4. Her presentation skills often _______ admiration from her colleagues, particularly her ability to simplify complex data.

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

  1. Which of the following best describes the act of "conjuring" an idea in a creative brainstorming session? a) Carefully analyzing existing data. b) Inventing something new out of imagination or necessity. c) Recalling a memory with great detail. d) Systematically organizing facts.

  2. In a business context, when a CEO is said to "conjure" enthusiasm among employees, it means they: a) Force employees to be enthusiastic through strict measures. b) Magically create a positive atmosphere without effort. c) Skillfully inspire and generate excitement. d) Distribute monetary incentives to boost morale.

  3. The speaker managed to _______ a sense of nostalgia among the audience during her farewell speech. a) evoke b) conjure up c) create d) summon

  4. To _______ doubt about the validity of the research, the opposing team presented conflicting data. a) alleviate b) instill c) dissipate d) affirm

  5. Which of the following actions implies designing a detailed project from an initial concept? a) sketching out a preliminary design b) fabricating a storyline c) devising a comprehensive plan d) mapping out the project phases

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The marketing team was tasked with creating an advertising campaign that would make customers feel excited about the new product. Rewrite using "conjure": The marketing team was tasked with ____________________ a sense of excitement among customers for the new product.

  2. Original: He was well-known for his ability to quickly come up with innovative solutions during high-pressure meetings. Rewrite using "conjure": He was well-known for his ability to ____________________ innovative solutions during high-pressure meetings.

  3. Original: The ancient ruins had the power to make visitors recall a bygone era of powerful empires. Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "conjure": The ancient ruins had the power to ____________________ a bygone era of powerful empires in visitors' minds.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. conjure
  2. conjure
  3. devise
  4. elicit

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Inventing something new out of imagination or necessity.
  2. c) Skillfully inspire and generate excitement.
  3. a) evoke, b) conjure up, c) create, d) summon
  4. b) instill
  5. a) sketching out a preliminary design, c) devising a comprehensive plan, d) mapping out the project phases

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite using "conjure": The marketing team was tasked with conjuring up a sense of excitement among customers for the new product.
  2. Rewrite using "conjure": He was well-known for his ability to conjure innovative solutions during high-pressure meetings.
  3. Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "conjure": The ancient ruins had the power to evoke a bygone era of powerful empires in visitors' minds.

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