What is line? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of line

linenoun

/lʌɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of line

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "line" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends slightly on where you are in the US and what kind of "line" you mean.

1. The most common pronunciation (for a straight line):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /laɪn/
  • How to say it: Think of the vowel sound in "my" or "sky." It's a short, open "i" sound. Then, it’s pronounced like "n" – a simple, quick "n" sound.
  • Break it down:
    • "li": Say "li" with that quick "i" sound like in "my."
    • "ne": Say "ne" quickly with a soft "n" sound.

2. The pronunciation for a queue (like waiting in line):

  • IPA: /laɪn/ (same as above) – this is also the most common.
  • Sometimes you'll hear: /laɪn/ with a slightly more drawn-out "i" sound (like "lyne"). This is more common in some regional dialects.

Here's a quick comparison:

Feature Straight Line Pronunciation Queue Pronunciation (sometimes)
Vowel Sound Short "i" (like in "my") Slightly longer "i" (like "lyne")
"n" sound Quick "n" Quick "n"

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • What kind of "line" are you referring to? (e.g., a line in a drawing, a queue, a set of items)?

Usage and examples with the word line in English

Let's break down how to use the word "line" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As a Straight, Continuous Mark:

  • Definition: A single, unbroken mark made by a pen, pencil, or similar tool.
  • Examples:
    • “She drew a line on the paper.”
    • “He used a ruler to draw a straight line.”
    • "The artist created a delicate line of shading."

2. A Row or Series (of things):

  • Definition: A sequence of items arranged one behind the other.
  • Examples:
    • “There was a line at the bakery.” (People waiting to buy something)
    • “We stood in a line at the ticket counter.”
    • “The soldiers formed a perfect line.”
    • “A line of cars waited for the traffic light.”

3. A Queue (Waiting in Order):

  • Definition: This is often used interchangeably with "line" when referring to people waiting for service.
  • Examples:
    • “There was a long line for the new movie.”
    • "Please join the line here.”

4. A Boundary or Edge:

  • Definition: A mark that separates one thing from another.
  • Examples:
    • “The line between good and evil is often blurred.” (A metaphorical boundary)
    • “She drew a line around the picture.” (Foreground vs. background)
    • “He crossed the line by saying that rude comment.” (A boundary of acceptable behavior)

5. A Role or Task (often in a theatrical or performance context):

  • Definition: A part in a play, movie, or other performance.
  • Examples:
    • “She got the lead line in the school play.”
    • “The actors stepped forward to take their line.” (Their spoken dialogue)

6. A Statement or Expression (especially in music or speech):

  • Definition: The words that a singer or speaker delivers.
  • Examples:
    • “He delivered his speech with powerful lines.”
    • “She remembered every line of the poem.”
    • "The lyrics contain poignant lines."

7. A Cutting or Edge (of something):

  • Definition: The outer edge of a material.
  • Example: “The line of the fabric was uneven.”

8. "Get in line" (Idiom):

  • Meaning: Stop interfering or complaining and accept your place in a queue or order.
  • Example: “Stop trying to cut in front of the line!”

9. A Situation or Condition (often used figuratively):

  • Definition: A particular circumstance or state.
  • Examples:
    • “He’s out of line with the rest of the team.” (Not agreeing with the team)
    • “Don’t take me line!” (Don't take advantage of me!)

Here's a quick way to think about which "line" to use:

  • Straight mark: Think "drawing"
  • Row: Think "queue, waiting"
  • Boundary: Think "separation, edge"
  • Speech: Think "words, dialogue"

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

  • What are you trying to say? (Give me a sentence or a brief idea of what you're writing, and I can show you how to use "line" correctly.)

Synonyms for the word line

Idioms of the word line

above the line
(finance)connected with the income that a company receives and the costs it has to pay in its daily business, which affect the profit it makes
  • All these costs are above the line and directly hit profits.
(business)connected with advertising in the mass media
  • They planned an advertising campaign with both above-the-line and social media components.
along/down the line
(informal)at some point during an activity or a process
  • Somewhere along the line a large amount of money went missing.
  • We'll make a decision on that further down the line.
along/on (the)… lines
(informal)in the way that is mentioned
  • The new system will operate along the same lines as the old one.
  • They voted along class lines.
(informal)similar to the way or thing that is mentioned
  • Those aren't his exact words, but he said something along those lines.
  • The hotel was built along the lines of a French chateau.
the battle lines are drawn
used to say that people or groups have shown which side they intend to support in an argument or contest that is going to begin
    be, come, etc. on line
    to be working or functioning
    • The new working methods will come on line in June.
    be in the firing line
    to be in a position where you can be shot at
    • attempts to prevent civilians from being in the firing line
    to be in a position where people can criticize or blame you
    • The employment secretary found himself in the firing line over recent job cuts.
    below the line
    (finance)connected with unusual costs or income that a company pays or receives, that are not part of its daily business and are taken away or added after calculating profits
    • There was a £4 million extraordinary charge below the line.
    (business)connected with advertising by means of direct mail, email, social media, events, etc.
    • We are planning social networking, digital marketing and below-the-line activities across the country.
    connected with a section at the end of an online article or blog post where readers can put comments
    • There were numerous comments below the line.
    bring somebody/something, come, get, fall, etc. into line (with somebody/something)
    to behave or make somebody/something behave in the same way as other people or how they should behave
    • The other members of the board must be brought into line.
    • The actions of investors do not always fall into line with financial theory.
    cross a/the line
    to do something that is not considered to be acceptable behaviour
    • He crossed the line by making details of their very private conversation public.
    cut in line
    to go to the front of a line of people without waiting for your turn
    • Somebody cut in line in front of me.
    draw a line under something
    (British English)to say that something is finished and not worth discussing any more
      (reach) the end of the line/road
      (to reach) the point at which something can no longer continue in the same way
      • A defeat in the second round marked the end of the line for last year's champion.
      • The loss of this contract could signal the end of the line for the shipyard.
      • This latest disagreement could mean the end of the road for the band.
      a firm hand
      strong control or discipline
      • Those children need a firm hand to make them behave.
      hook, line and sinker
      completely
      • What I said was not true, but he fell for it (= believed it) hook, line and sinker.
      in (a) line (with something)
      in a position that forms a straight line with something
      • An eclipse happens when the earth and moon are in line with the sun.
      in line for something
      likely to get something
      • She is in line for promotion.
      in the line of duty
      while doing a job
      • A policeman was injured in the line of duty yesterday.
      in line with something
      similar to something or so that one thing is closely connected with another
      • Annual pay increases will be in line with inflation.
      lay it on the line
      (informal)to tell somebody clearly what you think, especially when they will not like what you say
      • The manager laid it on the line—some people would have to lose their jobs.
      (draw) a line in the sand
      (to establish) a clear limit to what you will do or accept
      • It’s time to draw a line in the sand and stop allowing workplace bullying to continue.
      (choose, follow, take, etc.) the line/path of least resistance
      (to choose, etc.) the easiest way of doing something
        (put something) on the line
        (informal)at risk
        • If we don't make a profit, my job is on the line.
        out of line (with somebody/something)
        not forming a straight line
          different from something
          • London prices are way out of line with the rest of the country.
          British English alsobehaving in a way that is not acceptable or right
            overstep the mark/line
            to behave in a way that people think is not acceptable
            • She realized she had overstepped the mark and quickly apologized.
            pitch a story/line/yarn (to somebody)
            (informal)to tell somebody a story or make an excuse that is not true
              read between the lines
              to look for or discover a meaning in something that is not openly stated
              • Reading between the lines, I think Clare needs money.
              sign on the dotted line
              (informal)to sign a document to show that you have agreed to buy something or do something
              • Just sign on the dotted line and the car is yours.
              step out of line | be/get out of line
              to behave badly or break the rules
              • His boss warned him that if he stepped out of line once more he would be fired.
              toe the (party) line
              to say or do what somebody in authority tells you to say or do, even if you do not share the same opinions, etc.
              • One or two of them refused to toe the line.
              • MPs rarely fail to toe the party line.
              walk/tread a fine/thin line (between A and B)
              to be in a difficult or dangerous situation where you could easily make a mistake
              • He was walking a fine line between being funny and being rude.
              • She often seems to tread a thin line between success and failure.

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