What is movie? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of movie

movienoun

/ˈmuːvi/
Definition & pronunciation of movie

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "movie" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and they're both considered correct! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈmuː.viː (This is the way Americans generally say it)
    • ˈmuː - This part sounds like "moo" – like the sound a cow makes. The stress is on the first syllable.
    • viː - This part sounds like "vee."

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • ˈmɒv.iː (This is how it's pronounced in the UK)
    • ˈmɒv - This sounds like "mov," with a slightly more rounded vowel sound.
    • iː - This part sounds like "ee" – like in "see."

Here's a simple way to think about it:

  • American: "Move-vee"
  • British: "Move-ee"

Resources to hear the pronunciations:

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  • Where are you learning English? (e.g., the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word movie in English

Let's break down how to use the word "movie" in English. It's a very common word, but there are nuances to its usage.

1. Basic Usage: Referring to a Film

  • Most Common: "Movie" almost always refers to a recorded motion picture – a film you watch in a theater or on a screen.
    • "I want to see a movie tonight."
    • "That was a great movie!"
    • "Let's go to the movie theater."

2. Shortened Forms & Informal Usage

  • Film: Often used interchangeably with "movie," especially in more formal contexts or when referring to a particular work of art.
    • "He's a renowned film director."
  • Picture: Very common, especially in casual conversation.
    • "Did you see that picture?" (A picture is a general term for a movie.)
  • The Movie: (Sometimes used for emphasis – but can sound a bit old-fashioned).
    • "The movie was amazing!"

3. Phrases Using "Movie"

  • Movie star: Someone famous who acts in movies.
    • "Brad Pitt is a famous movie star."
  • Movie ticket: The paper you buy to enter a movie theater.
    • "I need to buy movie tickets."
  • Movie review: A written or spoken critique of a movie.
    • "I read a bad movie review of that film."
  • Movie marathon: Watching several movies in a row.
    • "We're having a movie marathon this weekend."
  • Movie plot: The storyline of a movie.
    • "I didn't like the movie plot."
  • Movie premiere: The first public showing of a movie.
    • "The movie premiere was packed!"

4. Using "Movie" as a Verb (Less Common)

  • To watch a movie: This is the most frequent usage.
    • "I like to movie at home on the weekends." (This is a perfectly acceptable, though slightly informal, way of saying "I like to watch movies...")
  • To premiere a movie: To show a movie for the first time to the public.

5. Distinguishing from “Motion Picture”

  • Movie is the everyday, informal term.
  • Motion picture is the more formal, technical term. You're less likely to hear "motion picture" in casual conversation.

Here's a table summarizing the key uses:

Usage Word Example Formality
General Film Movie "Let's go see a movie." Informal
General Film Film "He directed a critically acclaimed film." Formal
General Film Picture "Did you see that picture last night?" Casual
Action Movie Star "She's a popular movie star." Informal

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  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "movie"? (e.g., write a sentence, have a conversation, understand a book?)

Synonyms for the word movie

Practice with vocabulary movie

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The highly anticipated _______ is set to premiere next month, promising stunning visuals and a thought-provoking plot.
  2. Many people enjoy a good _______ after a long week, as it provides a perfect escape from reality.
  3. The intense discussion following the recent _______ on climate change sparked renewed public interest among attendees.
  4. Attending a live _______ at the opera house offers a unique cultural experience compared to streaming digital content.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a motion picture produced for entertainment or educational purposes, typically shown in a theater or on screen? a) lecture b) sculpture c) movie d) symphony

  2. When discussing the latest blockbuster release, which term(s) could you use interchangeably with 'film' in a casual conversation? (Select all that apply) a) play b) movie c) theatrical production d) show

  3. You want to invite a colleague to watch a new feature-length story on the big screen. Which word would you most commonly use? a) screening b) performance c) movie d) spectacle

  4. The critically acclaimed ______ about the life of a famous scientist was presented at the historical society last night, sparking an insightful Q&A session. a) movie b) film c) documentary d) drama

  5. Which term refers to a series of connected episodes broadcast over a period, often on television or a streaming service? a) movie b) film c) series d) play

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The critically acclaimed cinematic production captivated audiences worldwide. Rewrite: Audiences worldwide were captivated by the critically acclaimed _______.

  2. Original: Many people find that watching a good film is a perfect way to relax after a stressful day. Rewrite: A good _______ can be an excellent way for many to unwind after a stressful day.

  3. Original: The educational documentary about ancient civilizations was screened at the museum last week. Rewrite: The educational _______ about ancient civilizations was shown at the museum last week.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. movie
  2. movie
  3. documentary
  4. performance

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) movie
  2. b) movie
  3. c) movie
  4. c) documentary
  5. c) series

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Audiences worldwide were captivated by the critically acclaimed movie.
  2. A good movie can be an excellent way for many to unwind after a stressful day.
  3. The educational program about ancient civilizations was shown at the museum last week.

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