What is landscape? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of landscape

landscapenoun

/ˈlan(d)skeɪp/
Definition & pronunciation of landscape

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

1. Syllables:

The word is broken into three syllables:

  • Land - (like "land" as in "landslide")
  • scape - (rhymes with "scrape" or "shape")
  • -se - (a very short, almost silent "s" sound, like you're just lightly touching your tongue to the roof of your mouth)

2. Phonetics (a more technical way to describe it):

  • ˈlændˌskeɪp (This uses the International Phonetic Alphabet – IPA)

    • ˈ (This symbol indicates primary stress – it’s on the first syllable: "land")
    • lænd (as in "land")
    • ˌ (This symbol indicates secondary stress - it’s on the second syllable: "scape")
    • skeɪp (as in "scrape")
    • -se (very short, almost silent "s" sound)

3. How to Say It Out Loud:

  1. Start with "land": Say "land" clearly.
  2. Add "scape": Now, add "scape" – stress it a little bit more than the first syllable. It’s a short "sc" sound, like you're shaping something. Think of the word "scrape."
  3. Add the "-se": Finally, add a very quick, almost silent "s" sound at the end, like you’re barely touching your tongue to your mouth.

Putting it all together:

It should sound something like: "Land-scape-se" (with the "scape" syllable a bit more emphasized).

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear how it's pronounced. You can find audio examples on:

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

  • Break it down: Practice each syllable separately before putting them together.

Would you like me to:

  • Play an audio example?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word?

Usage and examples with the word landscape in English

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

1. As a Noun: The Big Picture (Most Common Use)

  • Definition: This is the most common meaning. It refers to the natural scenery of a region - the land, including hills, mountains, rivers, forests, and fields. It’s the overall visual scene.
  • Examples:
    • "We drove through a beautiful countryside landscape."
    • "The landscape of Scotland is dominated by mountains and lochs."
    • "The artist was inspired by the dramatic landscape of the Grand Canyon."
    • "He spent his childhood exploring the landscape around his farm."

2. As a Noun: A Region or Area

  • Definition: It can also refer to a specific region or area, often one with a distinctive character. This might be a more conceptual or defined area than just the physical scenery.
  • Examples:
    • "The Mediterranean landscape is characterized by olive groves and vineyards." (Referring to the overall environment and agriculture of the region).
    • "The political landscape of the country is shifting." (Referring to the relationships and positions of different political groups).
    • "The business landscape is becoming increasingly competitive." (Referring to the environment of the business world).

3. As a Verb: To Shape or Modify

  • Definition: This means to change or transform the appearance of something, especially land. It often implies shaping something natural into a more desirable form.
  • Examples:
    • "The farmer began to landscape his garden with new flowers and shrubs." (Transforming the garden's appearance).
    • "The city planners are working to landscape the area around the new development." (Creating a visually appealing environment).
    • "The construction crew is landscaping the hillsides to prevent erosion." (Changing the land to reduce erosion).

4. Figurative Uses

  • Emotional Landscape: This describes a person’s inner emotional world – their feelings, experiences, and attitudes.
    • "She’s navigating a difficult emotional landscape after the divorce."
  • Mental Landscape: This refers to a person’s thoughts, imagination, or internal world.
    • "He lost himself in a vivid mental landscape of adventure stories."

Tips for Using "Landscape" Effectively:

  • Consider the Context: The meaning of "landscape" will depend heavily on the surrounding words and the overall situation.
  • Specificity: When describing a natural landscape, be specific about the elements you're referring to (mountains, rivers, forests, etc.).
  • Figurative Language: When using "landscape" figuratively, make sure it fits the tone and style of your writing.

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of a specific usage (e.g., figurative landscape)?
  • Explain how to use "landscape" in a particular sentence?

Synonyms for the word landscape

Idioms of the word landscape

a blot on the landscape
an object, especially an ugly building, that makes a place less beautiful
  • The power station is a blot on the landscape.

Practice with vocabulary landscape

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. The company is analyzing the competitive __________ to identify new market opportunities and challenges.
  2. Despite the team's best efforts, they failed to __________ the ambitious sales targets set for the quarter.
  3. The proposed infrastructure project could significantly alter the natural __________ of the national park.
  4. The consultant provided a detailed __________ of the project's phases, from initial planning to final implementation.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select the best answer(s) for each question. There may be more than one correct option.

  1. Which of these terms can refer to the overall situation or environment of a particular field or industry? a) panorama b) vista c) landscape d) scenery

  2. When discussing the visual characteristics of a geographical area, including both natural and human-made features, which word(s) would be most appropriate? a) topography b) terrain c) landscape d) geography

  3. The CEO emphasized the importance of understanding the current economic __________ before making any long-term investment decisions. a) environment b) outlook c) landscape d) forecast

  4. Before implementing the new policy, it is essential to __________ its potential impact on employee morale. a) dismiss b) assess c) disregard d) evaluate

  5. The board of directors made a __________ decision to approve the merger, with every member casting a vote in favor. a) unified b) unanimous c) singular d) collective

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences as instructed, ensuring the meaning remains the same.

  1. The recent advancements in digital technology have completely changed the way industries operate. (Use "landscape")
  2. From the office window, one could see a beautiful view of the city and its surrounding areas. (Use "landscape" or a related form)
  3. The politician gave a speech outlining his vision for the future of the nation. (Do not use "landscape"; use a suitable replacement word for "vision")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. landscape
  2. achieve
  3. landscape
  4. overview

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) landscape
  2. b) terrain, c) landscape
  3. a) environment, c) landscape
  4. b) assess, d) evaluate
  5. b) unanimous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The recent advancements in digital technology have completely changed the industrial landscape.
  2. From the office window, one could see a beautiful urban landscape.
  3. The politician gave a speech outlining his outlook for the future of the nation. (or perspective / plan)

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