What is date? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of date

datenoun

/deɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of date

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "date." It's a tricky one because it's commonly mispronounced! Here's the breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

  • ˈdeɪt (stress on the first syllable)

Let's break it down further:

  • "De-": This part sounds like the word "day." It's a short, sharp "d" sound followed by a long "e" sound.
  • "-te": This part sounds like "t" (as in "top"). It's a very quick, light "t" sound.

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "daɪt" (with the "i" sound): This is the most common mistake. It sounds like the word "diet." The "a" sound is what matters.
  • "deit" (with a "t" sound at the end): This is also a common mistake, but it's not quite right.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Think "day": Focus on the initial "de-" sound like the word "day".
  • Quick "t": Make sure the "t" sound at the end is very quick and light – almost like you're barely saying it.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word to practice?

Usage and examples with the word date in English

Let's break down how to use the word "date" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Verb (Action - To Go Out With Someone)

  • Meaning: To spend time with someone romantically, usually as a couple.
  • Examples:
    • "I’m going on a date with Mark tonight."
    • "They've been dating for six months."
    • "We need to date more often."
    • "She asked him on a date."
  • Phrases:
    • "Go on a date"
    • "Have a date"
    • "Set up a date" (meaning someone arranges a date for you)

2. As a Noun (A Specific Event – One Particular Occurrence)

  • Meaning: A specific day or event. This is its most common usage now.
  • Examples:
    • "I have a date with the dentist next week." (Referring to a specific appointment)
    • "What's your date for the project deadline?"
    • "The date of the conference is November 15th."
    • “I wrote the date on the calendar.”
  • Using Numbers: Often used with numbers to specify a day.
    • "May 12th is our date."

3. As a Noun (A Person You’re Going Out With)

  • Meaning: The person you're on a date with.
  • Examples:
    • “I met him on a date.”
    • “He’s a nice date.”
    • "She went on a date with a handsome stranger."

4. As an Adjective (Referring to a specific time or event)

  • Meaning: Relating to a certain day or time. (Less common usage, but important to know.)
  • Examples:
    • "Let’s date this information for accuracy." (Meaning to check it carefully)
    • "Ancient dates are difficult to determine precisely."

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • "Date" vs. "Hang Out": "Date" implies a romantic or potentially romantic intention. “Hang out” is simply spending time together, perhaps casually.
  • "Dating" vs. "Seeing": “Dating” specifically refers to the process of going on dates. “Seeing” is a more general term for spending time with someone, it doesn’t necessarily carry romantic connotations.

Here’s a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To spend time romantically "I'm going on a date tonight."
Noun A specific day/event "What's the date of the meeting?"
Noun The person you're with "She's a great date."
Adjective Relating to a specific time "Let's date this data."

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What context are you trying to use the word "date" in? (e.g., a conversation, writing something, etc.)

Synonyms for the word date

Idioms of the word date

to date
until now
  • To date, we have received over 200 replies.
  • The exhibition contains some of his best work to date.

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