What is cushion? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cushion

cushionnoun

/ˈkʊʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of cushion

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cushion" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈkʊʃən (rhymes with "push in")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈkʊ - This part is key. It's a short, quick "oo" sound, like in the word "book" or "could." It's not like the long "oo" sound in "moon."
  • ʃən - This part is where it gets a little trickier.
    • ʃ - This represents the "sh" sound, as in "ship."
    • ən - This is a very short, unstressed "un" sound. It almost blends into the "sh."

Here's a more detailed phonetic transcription (for those who like it):

/ˈkuːʃən/

Tips for Saying It Right:

  • Focus on the short "oo" sound: Don't over-emphasize the vowel.
  • Don't add an extra syllable: Many people mistakenly add an extra "a" sound at the end.
  • Practice the "sh" sound smoothly: Connect it to the "un" sound briefly.

Resources to Listen:

  • Google Search: Just search "how to pronounce cushion" on Google and you'll often find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/cushion/ – This website offers pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce cushion" on YouTube.

Would you like me to:

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

Usage and examples with the word cushion in English

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

1. As a Physical Object (Most Common)

  • Definition: A soft, padded object, usually made of fabric and filled with stuffing.
  • Uses:
    • Furniture: “I need a cushion for my chair to make it more comfortable.” (Referring to a seat pad)
    • Padding: “The box was cushioned to protect the fragile ornaments.” (Padding to prevent damage)
    • Bedding: “She slept on a velvet cushion.” (A decorative pillow)
    • Horseback Riding: "The jockey used a cushion to protect his seat." (Specifically for riders)

2. As an Idiomatic Expression (Figurative)

This is where "cushion" gets more interesting! It means to protect someone from a negative experience or make something easier for them.

  • “Cushion (someone) from…”: To protect someone from something unpleasant, difficult, or harmful.

    • “The teacher cushioned the student from the criticism by saying he was still learning.” (Protecting from a harsh experience)
    • “The company cushioned the loss by offering generous compensation.” (Making the loss less severe)
    • “He cushioned her disappointment by saying he'd try to get her the gift later.” (Minimizing the impact of disappointment)

  • “Cushion (a) financially”: To have enough money to be comfortable and not worried about expenses.

    • “They've been incredibly lucky and cushioned themselves financially through investments.”

  • “Cushion (a) mistake”: To make a mistake less likely to occur or its consequences less severe.

    • “We cushioned the mistake by immediately apologizing and offering a full refund.”

3. As a Verb (Less Common)

  • Definition: To support or protect someone, often emotionally or financially.
  • Example: “The charity cushions vulnerable families during difficult times.”

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Meaning Example Context
Physical Object “She used a cushion for her head.” Furniture, padding, bedding
Idiomatic - Protection “The insurance cushioned us from the cost.” Protecting from harm/difficulty
Idiomatic - Finances “They cushioned themselves financially.” Financial security
Verb “The government cushions the poor.” Providing support

Tips for Using "Cushion" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "cushion" is heavily reliant on how it’s used in a sentence.
  • Idiomatic expressions are more formal. Use them deliberately.
  • Don't overuse it: It’s a somewhat sophisticated word. Simpler words might be more appropriate in many situations.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "cushion" in specific situations (e.g., business, writing, everyday conversation)?
  • Compare it to similar words (like "padding," "support," or "buffer")?
  • Help you craft a sentence using "cushion" correctly?

Synonyms for the word cushion

Practice with vocabulary cushion

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The advanced packaging material acts as a protective ________ for fragile medical equipment during international transit.
  2. The management team implemented a new policy to ________ the impact of supply chain disruptions on production schedules.
  3. Despite the unexpected drop in sales, the company's substantial cash ________ allowed it to avoid layoffs and maintain operations.
  4. The soundproofing panels in the studio are designed to ________ external noise, ensuring clear audio recordings.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following verbs means to reduce the impact or severity of a blow, fall, or unpleasant situation? A) amplify B) cushion C) intensify D) exacerbate

  2. To make a problem, pain, or difficulty less severe is to: A) escalate B) magnify C) alleviate D) propagate

  3. Which terms can describe a financial reserve or buffer intended to provide security against unexpected losses or economic downturns? A) contingency fund B) liability C) cushion D) deficit

  4. To prevent the passage of heat, sound, or electricity by surrounding something with a non-conductive material is to: A) dissipate B) insulate C) radiate D) conduct

  5. Which verbs describe providing a soft or protective barrier against impact, or making an unpleasant situation less harsh? A) brace B) soften C) cushion D) harden

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company maintained ample financial reserves to navigate any unforeseen market downturns. Rewrite using "cushion" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The new shock-absorbing material was designed to reduce the force of impact during collisions. Rewrite using "cushion" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The support group was established to lessen the emotional distress experienced by employees during the restructuring process. Rewrite without using "cushion" or "lessen":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The advanced packaging material acts as a protective cushion for fragile medical equipment during international transit.
  2. The management team implemented a new policy to mitigate the impact of supply chain disruptions on production schedules.
  3. Despite the unexpected drop in sales, the company's substantial cash cushion allowed it to avoid layoffs and maintain operations.
  4. The soundproofing panels in the studio are designed to absorb external noise, ensuring clear audio recordings.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) cushion
  2. C) alleviate
  3. A) contingency fund, C) cushion
  4. B) insulate
  5. B) soften, C) cushion

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite: The company's ample financial cushion allowed it to navigate unforeseen market downturns.
  2. Rewrite: The new material was designed to cushion the impact of collisions.
  3. Rewrite: The support group was established to alleviate the emotional distress experienced by employees during the restructuring process.

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