What is mint? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of mint

mintnoun

/mɪnt/
Definition & pronunciation of mint

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mint" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and both are widely accepted!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (British English):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈmɪnt/ (Rhymes with “hint”)
  • Sounds: “MINT” (as in the letter) + “ent” (like the end of “went”)
  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable ("MINT").

2. The American English Pronunciation:

  • Pronunciation: /mɪnt/ (Rhymes with "pint")
  • Sounds: “MINT” (as in the letter) + “unt” (like the end of “hunt”)
  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable ("MINT").

Key Differences and How to Tell Which You're Hearing:

  • British English tends to emphasize the "ent" sound slightly more, giving it a more drawn-out feel.
  • American English is more clipped and quick.

Resources to Help You Hear the Pronunciation:

  • Google: Search "how to pronounce mint" on Google and you'll get audio clips from both British and American sources.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/mint/ – This website allows you to hear native speakers pronounce the word in different dialects.

To summarize, both pronunciations are correct. The most important thing is to be consistent with whichever pronunciation you choose – either /ˈmɪnt/ or /mɪnt/.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word mint in English

Let's break down how to use the word "mint" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown of its primary uses, grouped for clarity:

1. Mint (as a plant):

  • Definition: This is the original meaning. A mint is a leafy herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It’s known for its strong, refreshing scent.
  • Examples:
    • "I added some fresh mint to my tea."
    • "The garden smelled of mint and lavender."
    • "Peppermint and spearmint are popular types of mint."

2. Mint (as a factory producing money):

  • Definition: Historically, a mint was a place where coins were made. This usage is becoming less common but still exists.
  • Examples:
    • "The Royal Mint produces all the coins for the United Kingdom." (This is a formal, historical reference.)
    • "He worked at the mint, stamping out pennies." (More old-fashioned phrasing)

3. Mint (as a verb – to freshen or revive):

  • Definition: This is a more modern usage. "To mint" means to make something new and fresh; to revitalize; or to give a feeling of freshness.
  • Examples:
    • "She minted a new enthusiasm for hiking after taking a break." (She renewed her enthusiasm.)
    • "The new product is minted with innovative features." (It’s fresh and modern.)
    • "The concert was mint – full of energy and excitement!" (It was fantastic and revitalizing.)

4. Mint (as a verb – to create new coins):

  • Definition: This is the current, primary meaning of the verb "to mint." It means to produce coins, usually through a mechanical process.
  • Examples:
    • “The mint produced a new series of commemorative coins.”
    • “The government intends to mint a special coin to celebrate the anniversary.”

5. Mint (as an adjective – fresh or new):

  • Definition: As an adjective, "mint" means fresh, new, or pristine.
  • Examples:
    • "He wore a mint-green suit." (A pale green color)
    • "This is a mint condition record." (Perfectly preserved)
    • "The property had a mint-fresh scent." (Very clean and new)

6. Mint (as a candy – peppermint flavor):

  • Definition: This refers to the flavor of peppermint.
  • Examples:
    • "I love a mint chocolate chip ice cream."
    • "The toothpaste had a strong mint flavor."

Here's a quick table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Plant (herb) "I used fresh mint in the salad."
Noun Money-making factory "The Royal Mint..."
Verb To freshen/revitalize "She minted her love of art again."
Verb To create coins "The mint produced the new coins."
Adjective Fresh, new, pristine "A mint-condition collectible."
Noun (Flavor) Peppermint flavor "A refreshing mint drink."

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "mint"? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, understanding a text?)

Synonyms for the word mint

Idioms of the word mint

in mint condition
new or as good as new; in perfect condition
  • We sell first editions of rare books in mint condition.

Practice with vocabulary mint

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The national ______ is responsible for producing all legal tender currency for the country.
  2. Despite being over fifty years old, the collector's edition comic book was in ______ condition.
  3. The research team plans to ______ an entirely new methodology for data analysis next quarter.
  4. Her impeccable track record and ______ professionalism earned her the promotion.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms describes an item that is in perfect, brand-new condition, often as if it has just left the factory? a) antique b) refurbished c) mint d) vintage e) pristine

  2. What action is typically performed by a government's central authority to introduce new metal currency into circulation? a) circulate b) mint c) print d) exchange e) transfer

  3. Which of these words can refer to a fragrant herb used in cuisine and beverages, or, in its verb form, to the act of creating a new word or phrase? a) basil b) mint c) coin d) sage e) invent

  4. Which word best describes an item that is an exact copy or reproduction of an original, often for display or study purposes? a) authentic b) replica c) genuine d) reproduction e) unique

  5. Before launching a new product line, a company must first: a) liquidate b) procure c) innovate d) manufacture e) consolidate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The classic car looked as if it had just rolled off the assembly line, completely unblemished and perfect. Rewrite using "mint" or a related word form:

  2. The federal reserve decided to produce a significant quantity of new coins to stabilize the economy. Rewrite using "mint" or a related word form:

  3. The marketing team devised an innovative concept for the new advertising campaign. Rewrite without using "mint":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. mint
  2. mint
  3. devise / implement / formulate / develop / establish
  4. unwavering / exemplary / unparalleled / outstanding / flawless

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) mint, e) pristine
  2. b) mint, c) print
  3. b) mint, c) coin
  4. b) replica, d) reproduction
  5. c) innovate, d) manufacture

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The classic car was in mint condition.
  2. The federal reserve decided to mint a significant quantity of new coins to stabilize the economy.
  3. The marketing team conceived an innovative concept for the new advertising campaign.

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