What is gossip? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of gossip

gossipnoun

/ˈɡɒsɪp/
Definition & pronunciation of gossip

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "gossip" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈɡɒsɪp/ (This is the sound you'll hear most often)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. “gos”: This is pronounced like "go" as in "go to the store." ( /ɡo/ )

  2. “ip”: This is the tricky part! It’s not pronounced like "ip" in "tip." Instead, it's pronounced like "is" as in "this is." ( /ɪs/ ) Think of it as a short, unstressed "is."

Putting it together:

So, you say approximately: “Go-sip” (like "go" followed by "sip")

Here's a helpful breakdown with phonetic symbols (IPA):

  • ˈɡɒsɪp
    • ˈɡ - Stress on the first syllable - a quick, strong "g" sound
    • ɒ - The "o" sound, like in "hot" but slightly rounded
    • sɪ - A short, quick “is” sound
    • p - a soft "p" sound

Resources to hear it:

Tips:

  • Don't overemphasize the "ip": It's a very short, almost swallowed sound.
  • Practice slowly: Focus on each syllable before combining them.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more similar words to practice?

Usage and examples with the word gossip in English

Let's break down how to use the word "gossip" effectively in English. It's a word with a specific nuance, and understanding its different uses is key.

1. The Core Meaning: Informal, Often Negative Talk

At its most basic, "gossip" refers to private talk or rumors, typically about other people, and often considered unpleasant or scandalous. It's usually informal and spread discreetly.

  • Example: "Don't listen to all the gossip about Sarah – it's probably not true."
  • Example: "She spends her lunch breaks spreading gossip around the office."

2. Different Ways to Use "Gossip" – With Variations in Tone

Here's a breakdown of how you can use "gossip" in various contexts:

  • As a Noun (the talk): This is the most common usage.

    • Negative/Critical: “There’s a lot of gossip about the new manager.” (Suggests it’s bad talk)
    • Neutral: “I heard some gossip at the party, but I don’t want to repeat it.” (Simply reporting the existence of the talk)
    • Descriptive: “The office was buzzing with gossip about the company’s financial losses.”

  • As a Verb (to spread gossip): This describes the act of sharing or telling rumors.

    • Negative: "They gossip about their colleagues constantly."
    • Neutral: “He’s known for gossiping about everyone.”

  • “Gossip about…” (followed by a person or topic): This is a standard phrase.

    • "I heard some gossip about her relationship."
    • "Let's not gossip about the accident."

3. Related Words and Phrases

  • Gossipmonger: Someone who habitually spreads gossip. ("She's a real gossipmonger!")
  • Rumor: Similar to gossip, but can be more vague or less substantiated. ("There's a rumor going around that...")
  • Chatter: A more general term for informal conversation. (Less negative than "gossip").
  • Word of mouth: This describes the way information spreads through informal channels, including gossip.

4. Tone and Connotation – Important!

"Gossip" carries a strong negative connotation. It implies that the information being shared is likely untrue, unkind, or intrusive. Be careful when using it – it can be hurtful.

5. Alternatives – When to Avoid "Gossip"

If you want to describe casual conversation without implying negativity, consider these alternatives:

  • Talk: "They were just talking."
  • Conversation: "They had a lively conversation."
  • News: “I heard some news about the project." (If it’s accurate information)
  • Rumors: "There were rumors circulating." (If it’s unconfirmed)

Here's a quick table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Tone/Connotation Example
Noun Private, often negative talk/rumors Negative, critical "The gossip about the promotion is wild!"
Verb To spread gossip Negative "She gossips about everyone she meets."
Phrase Talking about someone/something Varies, often negative "I heard some gossip about her vacation."

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking of using "gossip" in? (e.g., a story, a conversation, a writing assignment?)
  • What specific nuance are you trying to convey? (e.g., is it about a pleasant or unpleasant situation?)

Synonyms for the word gossip

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