What is crack? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of crack

cracknoun/verb

/krak/
Definition & pronunciation of crack

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "crack" in English. It's a tricky one because it has two main pronunciations, and which one you use depends on the context.

1. The "Crack" as in a Sound (like breaking wood):

  • Pronunciation: /kræk/
  • Breakdown:
    • k – as in "kite" (a quick, sharp sound)
    • r – a quick, single tap of your tongue against the roof of your mouth (not a rolled 'r')
    • a – as in "father" (a short, open vowel sound)
    • k – as in "kite" (again, a quick, sharp sound)
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is generally on the first 'k'.
  • Example: "The twig cracked under the pressure."

2. The "Crack" as in a Drug (often illicit):

  • Pronunciation: /kræk/ (same as above) – However, there's often a slight difference in stress and vowel quality.
  • Nuances: This pronunciation is often spoken more quickly and with a slightly more emphatic 'k'. Some speakers may add a subtle "uh" sound before the 'kræk' (like "krack").
  • Example: "He was dealing with crack."

Key Differences to Listen For:

  • Speed: The drug pronunciation is usually quicker.
  • Emphasis: The first 'k' is often slightly more prominent in the drug pronunciation.
  • Vowel Quality: The 'a' vowel is very slightly shorter and more clipped in the drug pronunciation. (Hard to describe in writing!)

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "crack"? (e.g., talking about a tree branch, referring to a drug, something else?)

Usage and examples with the word crack in English

Let's break down how to use the word "crack" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (Referring to a Break or Split)

  • A small crack: This is the most common meaning. Think of a crack in a wall, sidewalk, or windshield.
    • "There was a small crack in the plaster on the ceiling."
    • "He noticed a crack in the pavement as he walked."
  • A break in something: More general than just a hairline fracture.
    • "The ice had a crack running through it."
    • “The helmet sustained a crack during the impact.”
  • A fissure: (More formal) A long, narrow crack.
    • "The geologist examined the rock face for any signs of a crack."

2. As a Verb (To Break or Split)

  • To break or split (suddenly):
    • "The ice cracked beneath our feet."
    • "The old vase cracked when I moved it."
  • To reveal a secret or information (often reluctantly): This is a very common usage, often with a sense of guilt or partial disclosure.
    • "She cracked and admitted she’d been lying." (Revealed the lie)
    • "He finally cracked under the pressure and told the truth."
  • To break a code or puzzle:
    • "The code cracked by the investigators."
  • To make a noise (like a fragile object breaking): (Less common, but still used)
    • "The old window cracked with a sharp sound."

3. As an Interjection (Expressing Disbelief or Annoyance)

  • “Crack!”: Used to express surprise, exasperation, or a sharp, sudden reaction. It’s often used humorously.
    • “Crack! You’re kidding me!”
    • “Crack! I told you not to touch that!”

4. Slang & Informal Uses

  • To be under pressure/stressed: (Very informal, often associated with drug use – be careful with this one)
    • "He's really cracking under the stress of the deadline." (Meaning he’s becoming overwhelmed)
  • To be good at something: (Especially in a skillful or clever way)
    • "He really cracked that exam!" (Meaning he did really well)

5. Other Specialized Meanings

  • In music: A crackle or hiss (typically on vinyl records). “There’s a lovely crackling sound in this recording."
  • In geology: A fracture in rock.

Tips for Using "Crack" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "crack" depends heavily on the situation.
  • Pay attention to the surrounding words: “Crack” often appears with words like “ice,” “wall,” "code," or “secret,” which will help you understand its intended meaning.
  • Consider the tone: “Crack” can be playful, emphatic, or even critical, depending on how it's used.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "crack" in? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, understanding a news report?)

Synonyms for the word crack

Idioms of the word crack

crack the whip
to use your authority or power to make somebody work very hard, usually by treating them in a strict way
    crack wise
    (informal)to make jokes
    • This entertainer can crack wise with the best of them.
    get cracking
    (informal)to begin immediately and work quickly
    • There's a lot to be done, so let's get cracking.
    a hard/tough nut (to crack)
    a difficult problem or situation to deal with
      not all, everything, etc. somebody’s cracked up to be
      (informal)not as good as people say
      • He's not nearly such a good writer as he's cracked up to be.
      use a sledgehammer to crack a nut
      to use more force than is necessary

        Practice with vocabulary crack

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. The research team worked tirelessly to ______ the complex algorithm before the deadline.
        2. During the earthquake, several support beams showed signs of significant structural ______.
        3. We noticed a small ______ in the ceiling after the heavy rain, indicating a potential leak.
        4. Despite their best efforts, they could not ______ the intricate puzzle within the allotted time.

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. After weeks of analysis, the cryptographer finally managed to ______ the ancient code. A) decrypt B) solve C) crack D) decipher

        2. The intense heat caused the ceramic tile to ______ but not completely separate. A) shatter B) break C) crack D) fragment

        3. The diplomat tried to ______ a tense standoff between the two nations. A) resolve B) dissolve C) alleviate D) break

        4. The startup hopes to ______ into the highly competitive tech market with its innovative product. A) penetrate B) enter C) break D) crack

        5. He heard the ______ of a twig underfoot, signaling someone was approaching. A) snap B) splinter C) pop D) creak

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. It took the investigators months to decipher the complex conspiracy. (Rewrite the sentence using a form of "crack".)

        2. A tiny opening in the window allowed a cold draft to enter the room. (Rewrite the sentence using a form of "crack".)

        3. His voice cracked with emotion during the heartfelt speech. (Rewrite the sentence without using "crack".)

        Answer:

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. crack
        2. fracture
        3. crack
        4. solve

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. A) decrypt, B) solve, C) crack, D) decipher
        2. C) crack
        3. A) resolve, C) alleviate
        4. A) penetrate, C) break, D) crack
        5. A) snap

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. It took the investigators months to crack the complex conspiracy.
        2. A tiny crack in the window allowed a cold draft to enter the room.
        3. His voice wavered with emotion during the heartfelt speech.

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