What is jewellery? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of jewellery

jewellerynoun

/ˈdʒuː(ə)lri/
Definition & pronunciation of jewellery

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "jewellery" in English. It's a notoriously tricky word! Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

The Generally Accepted Pronunciation (British English):

  • jew-əl-ri: This is the most common pronunciation in British English. Let's break it down further:
    • jew: Sounds like the word "jew" (as in a precious stone) – rhymes with "few".
    • əl: A very short "uh" sound, like the "a" in "about."
    • ri: Rhymes with "tree."

American English Pronunciation:

  • jew-əl-ry: This is the most common pronunciation in American English. It’s simpler:
    • jew: Same as above – rhymes with "few".
    • əl: Same as above – a short "uh" sound.
    • ry: Rhymes with "sky."

Here's a way to think about it:

  1. “Jew”: Start with that short, quick “jew” sound.
  2. “El”: Then quickly add a very brief, unstressed “uh” sound.
  3. “Rry”: Finally, make the “rry” sound— a little bit like “tree” but with a rolled “r.” (A slight roll of the “r” is desirable but not a full, strong roll.)

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "jewellery" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (This will give you the British English pronunciation).
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/jewellery/ - This website provides audio pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce jewellery" on YouTube - you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Important Note: Don’t stress too much about getting it perfect. Most native speakers will understand you whether you say "jew-əl-ri" or "jew-əl-ry." "Jew-el-ry" is perfectly acceptable in American English.

Would you like me to:

  • Focus on a specific accent (e.g., more heavily on British English)?
  • Give you some practice words to help you with the sounds?

Usage and examples with the word jewellery in English

Let's break down how to use the word "jewellery" in English. It's a slightly tricky word because it’s a British English term that's increasingly common in American English, but still subtly different in usage.

1. What it Means:

"Jewellery" refers to decorative items worn for adornment – things like necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, brooches, and sometimes watches.

2. Usage – British English (Most Common)

  • Primarily in the UK and Ireland: "Jewellery" is the standard word.
  • Formal and Slightly More Elegant: It tends to sound a bit more formal and sophisticated than "jewelry."
  • Examples:
    • "She bought a beautiful piece of jewellery for her anniversary."
    • "The shop specializes in handcrafted jewellery."
    • "He inherited a valuable jewellery collection."

3. Usage – American English (Becoming More Common)

  • Increasingly Used: In the US, "jewelry" is far more common. You'll hear it in almost every context.
  • Acceptable, but Can Sound a Bit Old-Fashioned: Using "jewellery" in America isn’t wrong, but it can make you sound a little more British or academic. It might also sound slightly formal for everyday conversation.
  • Examples:
    • "She bought a beautiful piece of jewelry for her anniversary."
    • "The shop specializes in handcrafted jewelry."
    • "He inherited a valuable jewelry collection."

4. When to Use "Jewellery" Regardless of Region:

  • Referring to a Brand or Specific Style: If you’re talking about a specific brand known for its British heritage (like Aspinal of London, Monica Vinader), using "jewellery" is perfectly appropriate, even in America. It's part of the brand's identity.
  • Specifically when you want to emphasize its British origin: "I’m looking for some traditional British jewelry."
  • In formal writing or speech where you want a slightly more formal tone.

5. "Jewellery Box" vs. "Jewelry Box":

  • Same rule applies here – "jewellery box" is British, "jewelry box" is American.

Here's a table summarizing the differences:

Feature Jewellery (British) Jewelry (American)
Commonality More Common More Common
Sound/Feel Slightly more formal Slightly more casual
Regional Use UK, Ireland US, Canada, etc.

Resources to help you further:

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

  • Where are you primarily writing or speaking? (e.g., UK, US, both?)
  • What kind of context are you using the word in? (e.g., casual conversation, formal writing, describing a shop?)

Synonyms for the word jewellery

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