What is crown? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of crown

crownnoun

/kraʊn/
Definition & pronunciation of crown

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "crown" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, depending on where you are in the English-speaking world:

1. American English (most common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈkraʊn/ (rhymes with "brown")
  • Breakdown:
    • "c": Sounds like the "c" in "cat" – a fairly soft "c" sound.
    • "ow": This is the key. It's a long "o" sound, like in "go" or "low". Make sure you keep it long and clear.
    • "n": A standard "n" sound.

2. British English (Received Pronunciation – the “standard” accent):

  • Pronunciation: /kraʊn/ (rhymes with "brown")
  • Breakdown:
    • "c": Similar to American English – a soft "c" sound.
    • "ow": Again, a long "o" sound, as in "go" or "low".
    • "n": A standard "n" sound.

Key Difference:

The main difference is that American English tends to have a slightly more emphasized and longer "ow" sound. Both pronunciations are perfectly acceptable!

Resources to help you hear the sounds:

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

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, etc.) – Knowing your background helps me give you the most relevant pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word crown in English

Let's break down how to use the word "crown" in English. It has several different meanings and uses, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Literal Meaning: A Royal Headgear

  • Definition: The most common meaning is a metal (often gold or silver) ring worn on the head of a reigning monarch (king, queen, emperor). It’s a symbol of power and authority.
  • Examples:
    • "The queen wore a magnificent gold crown to the coronation."
    • "The crown of England is one of the most famous jewels in the world."
    • "He admired the intricate designs of the ancient Egyptian crown."

2. Figurative Meanings - About Achievement & Recognition

This is where "crown" gets more interesting and flexible. It's used to represent a peak of achievement or a final, rewarding stage.

  • a) To crown someone (with an award/honor): This means to formally award someone with a prestigious title or prize.

    • Examples:
      • "The university crowned him valedictorian." (He was named the top graduate.)
      • "She was crowned Miss Universe." (She won a beauty pageant.)
      • "The company crowned him as ‘Employee of the Year.’” (He received a special award)

  • b) To crown something (with success): To bring something to a successful conclusion or high point.

    • Examples:
      • “Years of hard work finally crowned her dream of opening a bakery.” (Her dream came true successfully.)
      • "The exhibition crowned a successful three-month run." (The exhibition was very well-received and ended on a high note.)
      • “The research crowned their efforts with a groundbreaking discovery.” (The research led to a significant achievement.)

3. Other Uses

  • To crown (an area with trees): To plant trees in an area to create a wooded area. This is a less common usage.

    • "The forestry department is planning to crown the hillside with native trees."

  • As a verb (less common): To cover or top something, often with an ornament or decoration.

    • “She crowned the cake with fresh berries.” (She decorated the cake with berries to make it look finished)

4. Idiomatic Expressions

  • "To crown something with glory": To add honor or great achievement to something.
  • "To crown a victory": To celebrate a success.

Tips for Using "Crown" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Always consider the situation to understand the meaning of "crown."
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Be aware that "crown" is often used metaphorically to represent achievement.
  • Formal Tone: "Crown" often has a more formal or elevated tone than simply saying "award" or "achieve."

Resources for Further Exploration:

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

  • In what kind of context are you trying to use the word "crown"? (e.g., writing a story, giving a speech, having a conversation)

Synonyms for the word crown

Idioms of the word crown

the jewel in the crown
the most attractive or valuable part of something
  • The Knightsbridge branch is the jewel in the crown of a 500-strong chain of stores.

Practice with vocabulary crown

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After years of dedicated research, the discovery of the new vaccine proved to be the _______ achievement of her scientific career.
  2. The museum's most prized exhibit is the golden _______, once worn by an ancient monarch.
  3. The company's innovative product launch marked the _______ of a year-long development cycle.
  4. Throughout history, many civilizations have placed great importance on the concept of a sovereign's _______ over their people.

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

  1. Which of the following symbols are typically associated with monarchy and royal authority? A) Scepter B) Orb C) Crown D) Throne

  2. Which of these words can describe the highest achievement or the most successful point in a career or endeavor? A) Apex B) Pinnacle C) Zenith D) Crown

  3. What does it mean "to crown" someone in a formal ceremony? A) To enthrone them B) To anoint them C) To officially acknowledge their supreme authority D) To place a symbolic headpiece on them

  4. Which term signifies the absolute power or ultimate authority within a state or organization? A) Dominion B) Hegemony C) Sovereignty D) Ascendancy

  5. In project management, what term refers to the final, critical review phase before a product launch? A) Debrief B) Milestone C) Go-no-go D) Post-mortem

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Completing the ambitious research project was the highest point of her academic career. Rewrite (must use "crown" or a related word form):

  2. Original: The ceremony involved placing the symbolic royal headwear upon the new monarch's head. Rewrite (must use "crown" or a related word form):

  3. Original: After years of hard work, achieving the coveted promotion was the ultimate success for him. Rewrite (must NOT use "crown" or any related word forms):

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. crown
  2. crown
  3. culmination
  4. reign

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) Scepter, B) Orb, C) Crown, D) Throne
  2. A) Apex, B) Pinnacle, C) Zenith, D) Crown
  3. A) To enthrone them, C) To officially acknowledge their supreme authority, D) To place a symbolic headpiece on them
  4. A) Dominion, B) Hegemony, C) Sovereignty, D) Ascendancy
  5. C) Go-no-go

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Completing the ambitious research project was the highest point of her academic career. Rewrite: Completing the ambitious research project was the crown of her academic career.
  2. Original: The ceremony involved placing the symbolic royal headwear upon the new monarch's head. Rewrite: The ceremony involved crowning the new monarch.
  3. Original: After years of hard work, achieving the coveted promotion was the ultimate success for him. Rewrite: After years of hard work, achieving the coveted promotion was the pinnacle of success for him.

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