What is cracked? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cracked

crackedadjective

/krakt/
Definition & pronunciation of cracked

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

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /kræk-ɪd/

Let's break it down further:

  • "crac": This part sounds like "crack" but shorter and with a slightly more clipped sound. Think of a quick "crack" sound. It’s almost like "krack" but shorter.
  • "-ed": This is pronounced like the "-ed" in "bedded" or "needed." It's a short, unstressed "ih" sound.

Here's a more detailed phonetic representation (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

/kræk-ɪd/

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("crac").
  • Short "a" sound: The "a" in "crac" isn’t a long "a" like in "cake." It's a shorter, more clipped sound.
  • "ih" sound: The "-ed" sound is a simple, quick "ih" sound, almost like you're saying "it" very quickly.

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce cracked" on Google. You’ll find audio clips and videos that demonstrate the pronunciation.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/cracked/ - Forvo is a website where native speakers record pronunciations of words.
  • Youglish: https://youglish.com/w/cracked - This website shows you how the word is pronounced in real-life videos.

Would you like me to:

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

Usage and examples with the word cracked in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cracked" in English. It has several different meanings and ways it can be used! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Literal – Broken or Damaged:

  • Definition: This is the most common meaning - meaning something has a visible break or fissure.
  • Examples:
    • "The vase was cracked during the move."
    • "He found a cracked tile in the bathroom floor."
    • "The windshield of the car was cracked by the rock."
    • "The handle of the mug was cracked and unusable."

2. Figurative – Weak or Flawed:

This is where "cracked" gets much more interesting and nuanced. It describes a weakness, vulnerability, or a flaw in a person or situation. It suggests something isn't completely stable or reliable.

  • Referring to a Person (Often emotionally):

    • "Cracked under the pressure:**" Meaning someone has become emotionally unstable, nervous, or overwhelmed. “She was a brilliant scholar, but she cracked after losing her research grant.”
    • "Cracked up:" (informal) Meaning to laugh uncontrollably, or to become crazy/eccentric. “He cracked up when he saw the silly cat video.”
    • "Cracked about:" (British English, informal) Meaning to be slightly mad or obsessed. “He’s cracked about collecting stamps.”
    • "A cracked soul:" A poetic phrase suggesting a deeply troubled and emotionally damaged person.
    • "He’s cracked with grief:" Meaning he's overwhelmed by sadness.

  • Referring to an Idea, Situation, or System:

    • "A cracked system:" Suggesting corruption, unfairness, or instability within a system (government, legal, etc.). “The whole legal system is cracked by the influence of money.”
    • "A cracked plan:" Meaning a plan that isn't working, is flawed, or is likely to fail. "Their business plan was cracked – they hadn’t accounted for rising competition."
    • "A cracked facade:" Suggesting that a person is hiding a troubled reality or a darker side. “Beneath his charming exterior, he had a cracked facade.”

3. Describing Sounds (Less Common):

  • Cracked voice: A voice that is strained or breaks when speaking. “He tried to speak, but his voice was cracked with emotion.”

4. Technical/Specific Uses:

  • Cracked skin: Dry, flaky skin often caused by weather or medical conditions.
  • Cracked earth: Dry, barren ground (often used in descriptions of drought).

Tips for Using "Cracked" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "cracked" is almost always dependent on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand what is being described.
  • Figurative usage is powerful: The figurative meanings add a lot of depth to your writing.
  • Tone: "Cracked" often carries a slightly negative or melancholic tone.

Resources for Further Exploration:

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

  • What are you trying to write/say? (e.g., a short story, an email, a description of a problem, etc.)
  • What is the context of the word you want to use? (e.g., are you describing a physical object, a person’s emotional state, or a system?)

Synonyms for the word cracked

Practice with vocabulary cracked

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Upon inspection, the engineer noted several micro-_______ in the building's support beams, raising structural concerns.
  2. The research group dedicated months to the complex algorithm, hoping to finally _______ the code and reveal its underlying pattern.
  3. The antique vase unfortunately _______ into many pieces when it fell from the shelf.
  4. Before submitting the report, please ensure all data is _______ for accuracy.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The sustained pressure from the heavy machinery caused the concrete slab to _______ along its weakest point. a) yield b) bend c) crack d) vibrate

  2. After months of tireless investigation, detectives finally _______ the complex fraud case, leading to several arrests. a) solved b) initiated c) unraveled d) cracked

  3. During the intense interrogation, the suspect began to _______ under the relentless questioning, eventually confessing. a) cooperate b) falter c) break d) crack

  4. The legal team presented compelling evidence, but the judge ruled that the argument was too _______ to proceed. a) sound b) flimsy c) robust d) watertight

  5. Effective communication is crucial to _______ misunderstandings in a diverse team environment. a) exacerbate b) foster c) mitigate d) perpetuate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to include a form of "cracked": The intense heat caused the ancient pottery to develop small splits.
  2. Rewrite the sentence to include a form of "cracked": The security experts successfully deciphered the complex encryption after weeks of effort.
  3. Rewrite the sentence, replacing the italicized phrase with a suitable alternative (do not use "cracked"): Despite facing immense pressure, the negotiator remained firm and did not give in.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. cracks
  2. crack
  3. shattered
  4. verified

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) crack
  2. a) solved, c) unraveled, d) cracked
  3. c) break, d) crack
  4. b) flimsy
  5. c) mitigate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The intense heat caused the ancient pottery to crack.
  2. After weeks of effort, the security experts successfully cracked the complex encryption.
  3. Despite facing immense pressure, the negotiator remained firm and did not yield.

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