What is pine? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of pine

pinenoun/verb

/pʌɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of pine

The word "pine" in English is pronounced paɪn.

Here's a breakdown:

  • pa - like the "pa" in "father"
  • ɪn - a short "i" sound, like in "bit"

You can also hear it pronounced correctly here: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/pine

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Usage and examples with the word pine in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pine" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (To long or yearn for something):

  • Meaning: This is the most common modern usage. It means to deeply desire or long for something, often something that is lost or unattainable. It implies a feeling of sadness and wistfulness.
  • Examples:
    • "She pines for her lost love." (She deeply misses and longs for him.)
    • "He pines for his childhood." (He yearns to return to a simpler time.)
    • "They pine for the days of summer." (They regret the fact that summer is over and long for it to return.)
  • Synonyms: yearn, crave, long, desire, ache for

2. As a Verb (To droop or bend downward – referring to plants):

  • Meaning: This describes the way a tree or plant bends or leans towards the ground, often due to heavy snow, wind, or the weight of its own branches.
  • Examples:
    • "The branches of the pine tree are still pine-ing under the weight of the snow." (The branches are drooping downwards.)
    • “The tree is beginning to pine as winter approaches.” (The tree is bending under the weight of the heavy snow.)

3. As a Noun (Type of Tree):

  • Meaning: "Pine" refers to a type of evergreen tree known for its needle-like leaves and cones. There are many different kinds of pine trees (e.g., Scotch pine, White pine, Ponderosa pine).
  • Examples:
    • "The smell of pine fills the forest."
    • "He built a rustic cabin from pine wood."
    • "Pine needles cover the ground."

4. As an Adjective (Relating to Pine Trees or Pine Wood):

  • Meaning: Describes something made of pine wood or associated with pine trees.
  • Examples:
    • “Pine scent” – referring to the smell of pine.
    • “Pine furniture” - Furniture made from pine wood.
    • “Pine resin” – a sticky substance found in pine trees.

5. Less Common Uses (Mostly Historical/Poetic):

  • To suffer (archaic): Historically, "pine" could mean to suffer or decline in health, particularly due to grief or sorrow. (This usage is now rare in everyday speech.)
    • Example (rare): “He began to pine away after hearing the news.”

Here's a quick table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Examples
Verb To long/yearn She pines for her lost love.
Verb To droop (plants) The branches are still pine-ing.
Noun Type of tree The smell of pine fills the forest.
Adjective Relating to pine trees Pine scent, pine furniture.

Tips for Using "Pine":

  • Context is key: The meaning of "pine" is heavily dependent on the context of the sentence.
  • Don’t overuse it: It’s a slightly more formal word than something like "want" or "miss."
  • “Pine-ing” as a present participle: It’s common to see "pine-ing" used as the present participle of the verb (e.g., "The branches are pine-ing").

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Synonyms for the word pine

Practice with vocabulary pine

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The carpenter preferred using ______ wood for its light weight and distinct, fresh scent in building rustic furniture.
  2. After months abroad, she began to ______ for the familiar comfort of her childhood home and family.
  3. Many furniture pieces are crafted from sturdy ______ wood, known for its durability and rich, often swirling grain patterns.
  4. His deepest ______ was to travel the world extensively before settling down to a more sedentary lifestyle.

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

  1. Which of the following describes a pine? a) A type of deciduous tree that loses its leaves annually. b) A conifer known for its needle-like leaves and woody cones. c) A hardwood tree primarily found in tropical rainforests. d) A common source of timber, resin, and turpentine.

  2. If someone "pines for" something, what are they doing? a) Expressing a mild, passing interest. b) Deeply yearning or longing for it, often with a sense of sadness. c) Feeling indifferent or detached from it. d) Experiencing a temporary physical discomfort.

  3. What are common characteristics or uses of pine wood? a) It is typically a very dense and expensive hardwood. b) It is frequently used in construction, flooring, and furniture. c) It has a distinctive resinous aroma and is relatively soft. d) It is primarily cultivated for its production of edible fruits.

  4. To "yearn" for something implies: a) A casual curiosity. b) A strong, often wistful or melancholic, desire. c) A sense of obligation or duty. d) A fleeting or momentary thought.

  5. Which statement is generally true about "oak" trees? a) They are exclusively evergreen conifers. b) They are known for their strong, durable hardwood and characteristic lobed leaves. c) They are a major source of citrus fruits in temperate climates. d) They produce acorns and are important for wildlife.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The distinct, refreshing smell of the evergreen forest filled the air after the rain.

    • Rewrite the sentence, using "pine" or a related word form:

  2. He always felt a profound desire to relive his college days and the freedom they represented.

    • Rewrite the sentence, using "pine" or a related word form:

  3. The team truly wished they had won the championship last season, reflecting on their missed opportunities.

    • Rewrite the sentence, using a suitable replacement word instead of "pine":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. pine
  2. pine
  3. oak (or maple, walnut, cherry)
  4. longing (or desire)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) A conifer known for its needle-like leaves and woody cones. d) A common source of timber, resin, and turpentine.
  2. b) Deeply yearning or longing for it, often with a sense of sadness.
  3. b) It is frequently used in construction, flooring, and furniture. c) It has a distinctive resinous aroma and is relatively soft.
  4. b) A strong, often wistful or melancholic, desire.
  5. b) They are known for their strong, durable hardwood and characteristic lobed leaves. d) They produce acorns and are important for wildlife.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The distinct, refreshing smell of the pine forest filled the air after the rain.
  2. He would often pine for his college days and the freedom they represented.
  3. The team truly yearned to have won the championship last season, reflecting on their missed opportunities.

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