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.

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