What is ottoman? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of ottoman

ottomannoun

/ˈɒtəmən//ˈɑːtəmən/
Definition & pronunciation of ottoman

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ottoman" in English. It's a tricky one because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules!

Here's the most common and accepted pronunciation:

ˈɒtəmən

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈɒt - This is the first syllable. The "o" sound is like the "o" in "hot" or "lot". The "t" is pronounced as a regular "t". The stress (the emphasized syllable) is here.
  • əm - This is the second syllable. The "a" sound is a short "a" as in "cat", but often slightly more open. It's a quick, unstressed syllable.

Tips for sounding right:

  • It's not "aht-to-man." Many people incorrectly pronounce it this way.
  • Think of it as "ot-um-en." This helps with the rhythm.
  • Listen to examples! The best way to get it right is to hear it spoken. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce ottoman" on Google. You'll often see audio clips.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/ottoman/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce ottoman" on YouTube and listen to different pronunciations.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you more examples of how it's used in a sentence?

Usage and examples with the word ottoman in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ottoman" in English. It's a word with a surprisingly nuanced meaning!

1. The Traditional Ottoman (Furniture):

  • Definition: This is the most common understanding. An ottoman is a low, cushioned seat, often with a storage space underneath. It's frequently used as extra seating, a footrest, or a place to put blankets and pillows.
  • Usage:
    • "We bought a beautiful velvet ottoman to go in the living room."
    • "I like to put my feet up on the ottoman while watching TV."
    • “The ottoman has a lift-up lid, perfect for storing magazines.”
    • “This antique ottoman is made of rosewood and inlaid with mother-of-pearl.”
  • Features: Ottomans can vary widely in style, material (velvet, leather, wood, fabric), and size.

2. The Historical Ottoman (Turkey):

  • Definition: Historically, an ottoman referred to a member of the Ottoman Empire (which spanned across parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East). It’s a title for a high-ranking official, especially a Grand Vizier (the chief minister to the Sultan).
  • Usage (Historical): This usage is much less common in everyday conversation today. You'll primarily encounter it in historical contexts, literature, or when discussing the Ottoman Empire.
    • "The Grand Vizier, an Ottoman, advised the Sultan on matters of state."
    • “The Ottoman Empire was a powerful force in the Mediterranean for centuries.”

3. Informal Usage (Slang - somewhat dated):

  • Definition: Occasionally, "ottoman" is used as slang to refer to a person – particularly a male – who is considered attractive, charming, and sometimes a bit of a flirt. This usage is less prevalent now and can be considered dated or potentially offensive depending on the context.
  • Usage (Slang - Use with caution!):
    • "He's a real ottoman, always making the ladies laugh." (This is an older expression, and not really considered polite today.)

Important Notes & Tips:

  • Context is Key: When you hear or read the word "ottoman," try to determine which meaning is intended. Most of the time, it’s referring to the furniture.
  • Synonyms for Furniture: If you’re talking about the furniture, you can use synonyms like: pouf, footstool, seat with storage, low bench.

Here's a quick table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Definition Example
Furniture Low, cushioned seat with storage "I love the ottoman in the corner."
Historical Member of the Ottoman Empire (official) "The Ottoman Grand Vizier..."
Slang (dated) Attractive man "He's a real ottoman." (Be cautious!)

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "ottoman"? (e.g., describing furniture, writing a historical story, etc.)

Synonyms for the word ottoman

Practice with vocabulary ottoman

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After a long day, he loves to prop his feet up on the comfortable ______ while reading.
  2. The versatile piece served as both an extra seat and a low coffee table, commonly known as an ______.
  3. The interior designer opted for a minimalist aesthetic, choosing a sleek, modern ______ for the dining area rather than individual chairs.
  4. During the break, employees often gather around the communal ______ in the lounge, discussing their weekend plans.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following furniture pieces can primarily function as a comfortable footrest or a low, backless seat? a) Armoire b) Ottoman c) Bookshelf d) Pedestal

  2. An interior designer wants to add a versatile piece to a living room that can serve as an informal coffee table, extra seating, and a place to rest feet. Which options would fit this description? (Select all that apply) a) Ottoman b) Side table c) Storage chest d) Pouf

  3. Historically, a low, upholstered piece of furniture designed for sitting or resting the feet, often found in a drawing-room or study, was known as a/an: a) Davenport b) Chaise lounge c) Ottoman d) Armoire

  4. Which term describes a large, often upholstered, seat with a back and arms, designed to comfortably seat multiple people, typically three or more? a) Loveseat b) Recliner c) Sofa d) Armchair

  5. In a professional office environment, a long, narrow table or cabinet typically placed against a wall, often beneath a window or behind a sofa, is known as a: a) Console table b) Coffee table c) End table d) Sideboard

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "After work, he usually relaxes by elevating his feet on the soft, backless piece of furniture near his armchair." Rewrite using "ottoman":

  2. Original: "The sales representative highlighted that this piece could function as both a casual seat and a surface for small items, making it highly adaptable for various room layouts." Rewrite using "ottoman" or a related form:

  3. Original: "For the children's play area, the decorators included several colorful, soft cubes that could be used for sitting or building." Rewrite without using "ottoman", "pouf", or "footstool", but using a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. ottoman
  2. ottoman
  3. stool
  4. sofa

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Ottoman
  2. a) Ottoman, d) Pouf
  3. c) Ottoman
  4. c) Sofa
  5. a) Console table

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. After work, he usually relaxes by elevating his feet on the soft ottoman near his armchair.
  2. The sales representative highlighted that this ottoman could function as both a casual seat and a surface for small items, making it highly adaptable for various room layouts.
  3. For the children's play area, the decorators included several colorful, soft floor cushions that could be used for sitting or building.

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