What is dart? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of dart

dartnoun

/dɑːt/
Definition & pronunciation of dart

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "dart." Here's a breakdown and a few options:

The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈdɑrt (rhymes with "tart")

    • ˈdɑrt: The emphasis (stress) is on the first syllable. The 'a' sound is like the 'a' in "father."
    • rt: The "rt" is a quick, unstressed sound.

The British Pronunciation:

  • dɑrt (rhymes with "cart")

    • Similar to the American pronunciation, but the vowel sound is slightly different – closer to the 'a' in "car."

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Short 'a' sound: The key is the short 'a' sound in the first syllable. Don’t say "art" like a painting.
  • Quick "rt": Don't drag out the "rt" – it’s a very brief sound.

Resources to Listen:

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Usage and examples with the word dart in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dart" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown organized by its different uses:

1. As a Noun (Physical Object):

  • A small, pointed projectile: This is the most common image – think of an arrow, a javelin, or a throwing dart.

    • Example: "He threw the dart at the bullseye."
    • Example: “The wrestler used a dart to distract his opponent.”

  • A small, pointed tool: Like a nail, a pin, or a small probe.

    • Example: “She used a dart to make a tiny hole in the fabric.”

2. As a Verb (Action):

  • To move quickly and suddenly: This is the core meaning – a brief, fast movement.

    • Example: “The hummingbird darted through the flowers.”
    • Example: “He darted across the street to catch the bus.”

  • To throw (a dart): Specifically referring to actively throwing a dart.

    • Example: “She darted her hand out and threw the dart.”

  • To speak or think rapidly: Describes a quick, energetic way of expressing oneself.

    • Example: "His eyes darted around the room, searching for an answer." (thinking rapidly)
    • Example: "She darted a quick glance at her watch." (speaking rapidly)

3. As an Adjective (Describing something):

  • Sharp and pointed: Describing something literally sharp.

    • Example: “The darting edge of the knife was terrifying.”

  • Quick and sudden (often figurative): Describing a rapid or impulsive action.

    • Example: "He gave a darting look of surprise."

Phrases and Idioms Using "Dart":

  • Darting glances: Quick, furtive looks.
  • A dart in the brain: (Old-fashioned) A sudden, sharp pain in the head.
  • To dart about: To move quickly and erratically.
  • To aim a dart: To make a quick, precise action.

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Small projectile "He threw a dart at the board."
Noun Small, pointed tool "She used a dart to make a stitch."
Verb To move quickly "The cat darted across the yard."
Verb To throw (a dart) “She darted the dart at the target.”
Verb To speak/think rapidly “His mind darted with ideas.”
Adjective Sharp and pointed "A darting blade."
Adjective Quick and sudden (figurative) "A darting expression of anger."

Resources for More Examples:

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Synonyms for the word dart

Practice with vocabulary dart

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. His eyes quickly _____ across the financial report, searching for any discrepancies.
  2. The unexpected market announcement caused a sudden _____ of investors trying to sell their shares.
  3. She felt a sharp _____ of anxiety as the deadline approached without a clear solution.
  4. In a moment of inspiration, the designer decided to add a small, decorative _____ to the fabric pattern.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (Choose all that apply)

  1. Which words describe a very quick, sudden movement, often forward or sideways? a) stride b) dart c) amble d) dash e) saunter

  2. If you need to move very rapidly and impulsively, you might: a) linger b) dart c) sprint d) hesitate e) dawdle

  3. Which of these objects can be thrown with precision at a target in a game? a) javelin b) discus c) dart d) bowling ball e) shuttlecock

  4. To quickly cover a short distance with powerful steps is to: a) jog b) meander c) sprint d) trot e) crawl

  5. A sudden, sharp, and intense feeling, often of pain or emotion, can be described as a: a) chronic ache b) dull throb c) pang d) mild discomfort e) twinge

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The small bird flew very quickly into the dense foliage. (Rewrite using a form of "dart")

  2. When the alarm sounded, the employees moved rapidly out of the building. (Rewrite using a form of "dart")

  3. The manager needed to plan and create a new project strategy immediately. (Rewrite without using "dart", but using a suitable replacement word for "plan and create")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. His eyes quickly darted across the financial report, searching for any discrepancies.
  2. The unexpected market announcement caused a sudden rush of investors trying to sell their shares.
  3. She felt a sharp pang of anxiety as the deadline approached without a clear solution.
  4. In a moment of inspiration, the designer decided to add a small, decorative dart to the fabric pattern.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) dart, d) dash
  2. b) dart, c) sprint
  3. a) javelin, c) dart
  4. c) sprint
  5. c) pang, e) twinge

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The small bird darted into the dense foliage.
  2. When the alarm sounded, the employees darted out of the building.
  3. The manager needed to devise a new project strategy immediately.

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