What is cousin? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cousin

cousinnoun

/ˈkʌzn/
Definition & pronunciation of cousin

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cousin" in English. Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put them together:

1. Syllables:

"Cousin" is typically said as one word, but it can be broken down into two syllables:

  • cous - like the word "house"
  • in - like the word "fin"

2. Phonetics (Sounds):

  • "cous": The "c" is pronounced like a "k" sound. The "ou" sound is like the "oo" in "food" or "moon."
  • "in": This is a simple "in" sound, like in the word "tin."

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly at first: "kuh-sin"

4. Important Notes:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("cous"). You want to say "cous" a little louder and with a bit more emphasis.
  • Linking: In natural speech, the "n" sound of "in" will often subtly connect to the "s" sound of "cous." It’s not a harsh connection, but a smooth flow. It will sound something like "kuh-sin" running into each other.

Resources for Hearing It:

  • Google Search: Type "how to pronounce cousin" into Google and click the speaker icon to listen to a recording.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/cousin/ (This website offers pronunciations from native speakers.)
  • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce cousin” on YouTube for video tutorials.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "cousin"?

Usage and examples with the word cousin in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cousin" in English. It's a pretty straightforward word, but there are nuances to consider!

1. Basic Definition:

A cousin is someone who shares at least one grandparent with you. Specifically:

  • First cousin: The child of your aunt or uncle. (You share a parent with your aunt or uncle, and your aunt/uncle has a child.)
  • Second cousin: The child of your first cousin. (You share a grandparent with your first cousin.)
  • Third cousin (and so on): The children of your second cousins, and so on. The further removed, the less frequently you'll see them.

2. Common Ways to Use "Cousin":

  • Describing Relationships: "Sarah is my first cousin." “My cousin David lives in London." “I’m related to Emily – we’re cousins.”

  • Introducing Someone: "This is my cousin, Mark. He's a musician."

  • Talking about Family Events: "My cousin’s daughter is getting married next year." “We went to my cousin’s house for Thanksgiving.”

  • Informal Conversation: "Let's catch up soon – we haven’t seen each other since last Christmas with our cousins."

3. Phrases with "Cousin":

  • "Cousins together": This refers to cousins who share both grandparents (a first cousin once removed). They’re closer in age than cousins who share only one grandparent.
  • "Cousin once removed": A cousin who is the child of your first cousin. (You share a grandparent with their parent.)
  • "Cousin twice removed": A cousin who is the child of your second cousin. (You share a great-grandparent with their parent.)

4. Tone & Context:

  • Casual: "Hey, cousin! How's it going?" (This suggests a familiar, friendly relationship.)
  • More Formal: "I enjoyed meeting your cousin, John." (More polite and neutral.)

5. Example Sentences Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • "I’m going to visit my cousin Emily next month; she’s just had a baby."
  • "My cousin Ben is really good at playing the guitar."
  • “We’re cousins, so we have a lot in common.”
  • "My aunt and uncle had four children, making me a first cousin to several people."

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "cousin" in a specific context (e.g., writing, conversation)?
  • Explain a particular phrase related to cousins (like "cousins together") in more detail?

Synonyms for the word cousin

Practice with vocabulary cousin

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. My closest ______ is coming to visit from Canada next month; we haven't seen each other since childhood.
  2. The project manager emphasized the importance of clear ______ in all team communications.
  3. During the family reunion, I reconnected with several distant ______ whom I hadn't met before.
  4. The financial analyst presented a ______ overview of the market trends to the board members.

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

  1. Which of the following describes a child of your aunt or uncle? a) Nephew b) Niece c) Cousin d) Sibling

  2. Which of these individuals would typically be referred to as your 'cousin'? a) Your mother's sibling's child b) Your father's niece or nephew c) A distant relative sharing a common grandparent d) Your direct sibling

  3. In a discussion about family inheritance, who might typically be considered if direct descendants are absent? a) A remote acquaintance b) A second cousin c) A legal guardian d) A close associate from work

  4. Which word best describes a person of the same age or status within a professional group? a) Colleague b) Peer c) Subordinate d) Associate

  5. When planning a project, it's essential to define clear ______ and responsibilities for each team member. a) Mandates b) Roles c) Stipulations d) Liabilities

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The children of my father's sister will be attending the family reunion.
    • Rewrite using "cousin":
  2. I often seek advice from the child of my mother's brother, as he is very knowledgeable.
    • Rewrite using "cousin":
  3. The two products from different companies perform almost identically and serve the same market segment.
    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "cousin" or related forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. cousin
  2. clarity
  3. cousins
  4. comprehensive

Exercise 2:

  1. c) Cousin
  2. a) Your mother's sibling's child, b) Your father's niece or nephew, c) A distant relative sharing a common grandparent
  3. b) A second cousin
  4. b) Peer
  5. b) Roles

Exercise 3:

  1. My cousins will be attending the family reunion.
  2. I often seek advice from my cousin, as he is very knowledgeable.
  3. The two products from different companies are functional equivalents and serve the same market segment.

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