What is gold? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of gold

goldnoun

/ɡəʊld/
Definition & pronunciation of gold

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "gold" in English. It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules!

Here's the breakdown:

  • "gol" – Pronounced like "gohl" (rhymes with "doll"). The "o" is a short, open "o" sound, like in "cot."

  • "d" – Pronounced as a normal "d" sound.

So, putting it together: /ɡɔːld/ (British English) or /ɡoʊld/ (American English)

Key Differences & Tips:

  • British English (ɡɔːld): Often has a more drawn-out "o" sound. It feels a bit longer and more open.

  • American English (ɡoʊld): The "o" is shorter and more clipped. It's more like the "o" in "go."

Resources for Hearing It:

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  • What dialect of English are you learning? (e.g., American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word gold in English

Let's break down how to use the word "gold" in English. It’s a surprisingly versatile word with lots of different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. The Precious Metal - Literally Gold

  • Definition: This is the most basic meaning – the shiny, yellow metal.
  • Examples:
    • "He bought a gold necklace for his wife."
    • "The pirate buried his treasure in a gold chest."
    • "The price of gold has fluctuated greatly this year."
    • "The statue was made of solid gold."

2. Figurative Meanings - High Quality & Value

This is where "gold" becomes much more evocative. It’s often used to describe things that are exceptionally good or valuable.

  • Gold Standard (Idiom): This refers to something excellent or of the highest quality; the best ever.
    • “That was a gold performance – she played flawlessly!”
    • "This is the gold standard for customer service."
    • "His new book is a gold mine of information."
  • Gold Lining (Idiom): A hopeful possibility or a positive aspect in a difficult situation.
    • “Even though they lost the game, there’s a gold lining – they played really well.”
  • Golden (Adjective): Describes something that’s excellent, beautiful, or precious, often associated with age or sophistication.
    • "She looked golden in the sunlight."
    • “He’s a golden boy, always getting what he wants.”
    • "The golden age of Hollywood"

3. Gold as a Color

  • "Golden" is the adjective form describing a color resembling gold.
    • "The golden sunset"
    • "A golden retriever"

4. Gold in Idioms & Phrases

  • Gold Rush: A period of intense activity seeking gold. (historical context)
  • Gold-plated: Covered with a thin layer of gold (usually on another metal).
  • Gold-bricked: (Rare, often humorous) To hide something valuable in a deceptive or misleading way.

5. Gold in Slang (Less Common)

  • Occasionally (and somewhat playfully), "gold" can be used to describe something extremely desirable, like a great opportunity. ("That's a gold ticket!")

Here’s a table summarizing the uses:

Category Meaning Example
Metal The precious metal "He wore a gold ring."
Figurative Highest quality "That was a gold performance."
Figurative Hopeful aspect (difficult situation) “There's a gold lining to this.”
Descriptive Beautiful/Excellent/Precious "She looked golden."
Color Resembling gold "A golden apple"

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What kind of context are you using "gold" in? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, studying for a test?)

Synonyms for the word gold

Idioms of the word gold

all that glitters/glistens/glisters is not gold
(saying)not everything that seems good, attractive, etc. is actually good, etc.
    a crock/pot of gold
    a large prize or reward that somebody hopes for but is unlikely to get
      (as) good as gold
      (informal)behaving in a way that other people approve of
      • The kids have been as good as gold all day.
      have a heart of gold
      to be a very kind person
        the streets are paved with gold
        (saying)used to say that it seems easy to make money in a place
          strike gold
          to find or do something that brings you a lot of success or money
          • He has struck gold with his latest novel.
          worth your/its weight in gold
          very useful or valuable
          • A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold.

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