What is cue? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cue

cuenoun

/kjuː//kjuː/

The word "cue" has a slightly tricky pronunciation! Here's a breakdown:

  • Most Common Pronunciation (American English): /ˈkuː/ - This sounds like "koo," rhyming with "shoe" or "glue." It's a short, vowel sound.

  • British English Pronunciation: /kjuː/ - This is pronounced exactly like the American pronunciation: "koo."

Key Point: It's almost always pronounced "koo" in both American and British English.

Resources for Hearing it:

Do you want me to explain anything more about it, or perhaps give you some examples of how "cue" is used in a sentence?

Usage and examples with the word cue in English

The word "cue" is incredibly versatile! It has several different meanings, depending on the context. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Signal or Prompt (Most Common)

  • Meaning: A signal or hint that tells you something is about to happen or that you should do something. It's a subtle indication.
  • Examples:
    • "He gave me a cue to start talking." (He gave me a hint.)
    • "The music was the cue for the dancers to enter." (The music signaled the dancers.)
    • "I waited for the cue before speaking." (I waited for a signal.)
    • "The referee’s whistle was the cue for the players to restart the game."

2. In Billiards/Pool (Specifically)

  • Meaning: A mark on the table (like a line or dot) that guides the player’s shot.
  • Examples:
    • "He aimed for the cue ball."
    • "The cues are positioned on the side of the table."

3. In Theatre/Performing Arts (As a Directive)

  • Meaning: A signal from the director to an actor to begin a scene or perform a specific action.
  • Examples:
    • "The director gave him a cue to enter the stage."
    • "The actors were waiting for their cue."

4. As a Verb (To Signal or Prompt)

  • Meaning: To give someone a hint or signal.
  • Examples:
    • "The announcer cued the audience to quiet down."
    • "She cued him into the conversation."

5. (Less Common) A Reason or Cause

  • Meaning: A reason or motive for something (often used poetically or figuratively).
  • Examples:
    • "His anger was the cue for a fight." (His anger was the cause of the fight.)
    • "The silence was the cue for her to leave." (Her leaving was prompted by the silence.)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Usage Meaning Example
Signal/Prompt Hint, indication "He gave me a cue to start."
Billiards/Pool Mark for aiming "He aimed for the cue ball."
Theatre Director’s directive "The director cued her to speak."
Verb To signal/prompt "The announcer cued the audience."
Reason/Cause Underlying cause "The silence was the cue for her to leave."

Tips for Using “Cue” Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the situation to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Synonyms: If you’re unsure, consider using synonyms like “signal,” “hint,” “prompt,” or “indication.”

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

  • What are you trying to say or write with the word "cue"? (e.g., "I'm writing a story about a musician..." or "I want to use it in a sentence about a play...")

Synonyms for the word cue

Idioms of the word cue

(right) on cue
at exactly the moment you expect or that is appropriate
  • ‘Where is that boy?’ As if on cue, Simon appeared in the doorway.
  • I can't just cry on cue!
take your cue from somebody/something
to copy what somebody else does as an example of how to behave or what to do
  • Investors are taking their cue from the big banks and selling dollars.
  • They all took their cue from their leader.

Practice with vocabulary cue

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The chairman's subtle nod served as a clear ______ for the assistant to distribute the handouts.
  2. The stock market's unexpected dip gave investors a strong _______ that it might be time to reconsider their portfolios.
  3. A flashing light on the control panel acts as a visual ______ that the system is ready for the next command.
  4. To solve the complex puzzle, we carefully examined every ______ provided in the accompanying notes.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. During the debate, the moderator's slight hand gesture served as a subtle _______ for the speaker to wrap up their argument. a) signal b) clue c) prompt d) warning e) cue

  2. The flashing green light on the machinery acts as a critical _______ for the operator to initiate the next production cycle. a) warning b) signal c) cue d) instruction e) alert

  3. In the theater, the stage manager's hand signal is the precise ______ for the lighting technician to dim the lights. a) hint b) direction c) prompt d) cue e) recommendation

  4. The CEO's vague statement about restructuring had serious ______ for job security, causing widespread concern among employees. a) hints b) warnings c) implications d) suggestions e) repercussions

  5. Before making a significant career change, it's wise to seek professional _______ from an experienced mentor. a) hints b) advice c) instruction d) guidance e) direction

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team leader's raised eyebrow was a subtle way of telling the team members to give their full attention. Rewrite using "cue":
  2. The unexpected market fluctuation indicated that the financial analysts needed to promptly revise their projections. Rewrite using a related form of "cue":
  3. Her initial email contained only vague suggestions about her reasons for resigning, leaving management to speculate. Rewrite, replacing "suggestions" with a suitable alternative (do not use "cue" or its forms):

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. cue
  2. signal
  3. cue
  4. clue

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) signal, c) prompt, e) cue
  2. b) signal, c) cue, e) alert
  3. b) direction, c) prompt, d) cue
  4. c) implications, e) repercussions
  5. b) advice, d) guidance, e) direction

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team leader's raised eyebrow served as a subtle cue for the team members to give their full attention.
  2. The unexpected market fluctuation cued the financial analysts to promptly revise their projections.
  3. Her initial email contained only vague hints about her reasons for resigning, leaving management to speculate.

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