What is hole? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of hole

holenoun

/həʊl/
Definition & pronunciation of hole

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

The Correct Pronunciation (General American English - most common):

  • Sounds like: "hohl" (like "bowl" but with an 'h')
  • Breakdown:
    • "h": A very quick, light "h" sound – almost silent. It's just there to differentiate it from "ole."
    • "o": Like the "o" in "go" or "hot."
    • "hl": This is the tricky part. It's a single, smooth sound, almost like a blend of "h" and "l." Think of quickly gliding from the "o" to the "l." Don’t pronounce each sound separately.

Here's how it sounds: (I can't actually say it here, but you can check these resources):

Common Mispronunciations & Why They’re Wrong:

  • "ole": (Like the word "oil") - This is extremely common, but incorrect.
  • "hol": (Like "hall") - Incorrect.

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the "ohl" sound: Really try to blend the "o" and "l" together.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced correctly. Use the resources above.
  • Practice: Say "hole" repeatedly, focusing on that smooth "ohl" sound.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Focus on a specific regional pronunciation (e.g., British English)?

Usage and examples with the word hole in English

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

1. Literal Hole (Physical Space):

  • Definition: This is the most basic meaning – an opening or gap in something.
  • Examples:
    • "There’s a hole in my sock." (a physical gap)
    • "The ground has a hole in it." (a depression)
    • "A hole in the wall." (an opening)
    • "The tree has a hole in its trunk." (a cavity)

2. Holes as Nouns (Abstract Concepts):

  • Hole in one (Golf): A perfect shot that goes directly into the hole. “He sank a hole in one!”
  • Hole in your memory: A forgotten memory, something you can't quite recall. “I have a hole in my memory about that day.”
  • Hole in your heart: A feeling of sadness, loss, or emptiness. “She’s still grieving; she has a hole in her heart.”
  • Hole in your conscience: A feeling of guilt or wrongdoing. “He knew he was wrong, but he had a hole in his conscience.”
  • Hole in your plans: An unexpected obstacle or disruption to your plans. “We had a hole in our plans when the rain came.”

3. Holes as Verbs (Actions):

  • To hole something up: To shelter or hide oneself in a place. “The hikers holed up in the cave during the storm.”
  • To hole (a boat): To patch or repair a hole in a boat. “He had to hole the boat up before the trip.”

4. "Hole" as a Slang/Informal Word:

  • Hole (in something): This is a very informal slang word for a drug dealer or someone who sells drugs. Use with extreme caution – it's considered offensive in many contexts. “He knows a guy with a hole.” (Meaning: a drug dealer)
  • Hole (up): This slang term means to hide or be secluded. “They’re just hole-ing up at home.”

5. "Hole" as Part of Phrases:

  • Bottom of the hole: The very bottom of a hole.
  • Across the hole: To go from one side of a hole to the other.
  • Dig a hole: To excavate or create a hole.
  • Fill a hole: To repair or cover up a gap.

Tips for Using "Hole" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “hole” depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Be Mindful of Slang: The slang usage of “hole” is very informal and potentially offensive. Avoid using it unless you’re certain it’s appropriate and understood by your audience.
  • Consider Synonyms: Depending on the meaning you want to convey, you might consider using synonyms like: gap, opening, cavity, space, deficiency, emptiness.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you trying to do with the word "hole"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, understand a specific sentence?)

Synonyms for the word hole

Idioms of the word hole

an ace in the hole
(informal)a secret advantage, for example a piece of information or a skill, that you are ready to use if you need to
    burn a hole in your pocket
    if money burns a hole in your pocket, you want to spend it as soon as you have it
      dig yourself into a hole
      to get yourself into a bad situation that will be very difficult to get out of
        in a hole
        (informal)in a difficult situation
        • He had got himself into a hole and it was going to be difficult to get out of it.
        in the hole
        (North American English, informal)owing money
        • We start the current fiscal year $30 million in the hole.
        make a hole in something
        to use up a large amount of something that you have, especially money
        • School fees can make a big hole in your savings.
        pick holes in something
        to find the weak points in something such as a plan, suggestion, etc.
        • It was easy to pick holes in his arguments.
        a square peg (in a round hole)
        (informal)a person who does not feel happy or comfortable in a particular situation, or who is not suitable for it

          Practice with vocabulary hole

          Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

          1. The security audit revealed a critical ______ in the company's data protection protocols, making it vulnerable to cyberattacks.
          2. After the intense earthquake, a deep ______ appeared in the earth, swallowing parts of the road.
          3. The architectural blueprint showed a considerable ______ between the two sections of the building, which needed to be bridged.
          4. Careful examination of the old vase revealed a tiny ______ near its base, suggesting it had been repaired previously.

          Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

          1. Which of the following words can describe a physical opening in the ground or a surface? a) crevice b) tunnel c) gap d) hole

          2. If someone "pokes a _______ in an argument," what are they doing? a) an opening b) a flaw c) a critique d) a hole

          3. Which term is most appropriate for a small, dark space, often underground or within a structure, that might serve as a dwelling for an animal? a) den b) cavity c) burrow d) hole

          4. Which word best describes a long, narrow break or split in a surface or rock? a) fissure b) chasm c) rift d) gorge

          5. When a company finds itself in a difficult financial situation with accumulating debt, it might be said to be in a financial _________. a) predicament b) quandary c) hole d) crisis

          Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

          1. Rewrite using "hole" or related word forms: Original: The company discovered a significant vulnerability in its cybersecurity system.

          2. Rewrite using "hole" or related word forms: Original: There was a visible tear in the canvas of the old tent, letting in the rain.

          3. Rewrite without using "hole": Original: After the storm, there was a large hole in the fence that needed urgent repair.

          Answer:

          Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

          1. hole
          2. hole
          3. gap
          4. crack

          Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

          1. a) crevice, b) tunnel, c) gap, d) hole
          2. d) hole
          3. a) den, c) burrow, d) hole
          4. a) fissure, c) rift
          5. c) hole, d) crisis

          Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

          1. The company discovered a significant hole in its cybersecurity system.
          2. There was a visible hole in the canvas of the old tent, letting in the rain.
          3. After the storm, there was a large gap in the fence that needed urgent repair.

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