What is parrot? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of parrot

parrotnoun

/ˈparət/
Definition & pronunciation of parrot

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "parrot." It's a bit tricky because it's not always how you might intuitively think!

Here's the most common and accepted pronunciation:

ˈpär.ɒt

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈpär (This is the stressed syllable - the one you emphasize) - It sounds like "par" as in "park". The 'r' is lightly rolled, but don't overdo it.
  • ɒt - This sounds like "ott" as in "hot" but with a shorter 'o' sound. It's a rounded vowel sound, almost like you're saying "ah" with your lips puckered.

Here’s a helpful guide:

  1. Start with "par": Say "par" like you're talking about a park.
  2. Add the "ott": Then quickly add the "ott" sound, emphasizing the short 'o'.

Resources to help you hear it:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some common variations (though the one above is standard)?

Usage and examples with the word parrot in English

Let's break down how to use the word "parrot" in English. It has a few different, quite distinct, meanings!

1. As a Bird (The Most Common Use)

  • Definition: This is the primary meaning – a colorful tropical bird, known for mimicking sounds and speech.
  • Examples:
    • "We saw a beautiful scarlet macaw, a type of parrot, at the zoo."
    • "He keeps a pet parrot that repeats everything he says."
    • "Parrots are native to tropical regions of South America and Australia."
    • "The parrot squawked loudly when I opened the cage."

2. As a Verb – To Repeat Without Understanding

  • Definition: This is where things get a little trickier. To "parrot" means to repeat something exactly, often without truly understanding it, like a mimic. It suggests a rote repetition, lacking genuine comprehension.
  • Examples:
    • "The politician just parroted the party line; he didn't offer any original ideas." (Repeating what others have said)
    • "She was just parroting her mother's advice." (Repeating someone else's words)
    • "Don't just parrot back what I've said – try to explain it in your own words." (Emphasizing independent thought)
    • "The student was parroting the teacher's answers." (Repeating verbatim)

3. Figuratively – To Imitate or Copy

  • Definition: Sometimes, “parrot” is used more broadly to describe someone who copies behavior or speech patterns, not necessarily mimicking words, but adopting a style.
  • Examples:
    • "He's such a parrot – he copies everyone he meets." (He mimics their mannerisms)
    • "The fashion trendsetter was a parrot for the latest styles." (Adopting the look of others)

Key Differences & How to Tell the Meaning

  • Context is crucial! The surrounding words and the situation will usually make it clear whether “parrot” refers to a bird or an action.
  • Bird: You'll typically find it used with terms related to birds, zoos, tropical climates, feathers, etc.
  • Verb (Repeating): You’ll encounter it when discussing speech, ideas, opinions, or someone repeating something else.
  • Figurative: It's used to describe someone's behavior.

Resources for More Information:

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

  • In what context are you thinking about using the word "parrot"? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word parrot

Idioms of the word parrot

(as) sick as a parrot
(British English, humorous)very disappointed

    Practice with vocabulary parrot

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. During the critical quarterly review, the new analyst tended to simply ___________ the CEO's previous statements without offering fresh insights.
    2. The zoo's aviary featured a vibrant blue-and-gold ___________ known for its striking plumage and ability to mimic human speech.
    3. Despite their similar appearance to parrots, ___________ are typically smaller, have longer tails, and are often found in Australia.
    4. Effective leaders encourage original thought and innovation, rather than expecting their team members to merely ___________ corporate jargon.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Which of the following birds is known for its ability to imitate human speech? a) Owl b) Sparrow c) Parrot d) Penguin e) Cockatoo

    2. If someone is described as "parroting" information, what does it imply about their understanding? a) They have a deep, nuanced comprehension of the subject. b) They are merely repeating facts without genuine understanding or critical thought. c) They are eloquently rephrasing complex ideas in simpler terms. d) They are accurately quoting a source, indicating careful research.

    3. Select the situations where "parrot" (or a related form) would be an appropriate word choice: a) Describing a highly skilled negotiator who always finds creative solutions. b) Referring to a person who mindlessly echoes corporate talking points during a meeting. c) Discussing a colorful tropical bird found in rainforests. d) Characterizing a child who repeats every word their parent says.

    4. Which word best describes the act of skillfully imitating someone's voice or mannerisms for entertainment? a) Duplicate b) Replicate c) Mimic d) Emulate

    5. In a professional setting, which actions would be considered unproductive and demonstrate a lack of independent thought? a) Innovating new strategies based on market analysis. b) Critically evaluating project proposals and offering constructive feedback. c) Parroting the manager's opinions without contributing original ideas. d) Echoing outdated methodologies without questioning their relevance.

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The junior staff member just repeated everything the project lead said without adding any of their own thoughts. (Rewrite using a form of "parrot".)

    2. The bird with brightly colored feathers often repeated phrases it heard from its owner. (Rewrite using the word "parrot".)

    3. The software was designed to create an exact copy of the original data, ensuring no information was lost. (Rewrite using a word that replaces "parrot" but maintains the meaning of reproduction/copying.)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. parrot
    2. parrot
    3. parakeets
    4. reiterate

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. c) Parrot, e) Cockatoo
    2. b) They are merely repeating facts without genuine understanding or critical thought.
    3. b) Referring to a person who mindlessly echoes corporate talking points during a meeting., c) Discussing a colorful tropical bird found in rainforests., d) Characterizing a child who repeats every word their parent says.
    4. c) Mimic
    5. c) Parroting the manager's opinions without contributing original ideas., d) Echoing outdated methodologies without questioning their relevance.

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The junior staff member just parroted everything the project lead said without adding any of their own thoughts.
    2. The parrot with brightly colored feathers often repeated phrases it heard from its owner.
    3. The software was designed to replicate the original data, ensuring no information was lost.

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