What is plant? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of plant

plantnoun/verb

/plɑːnt/
Definition & pronunciation of plant

The word "plant" in English is pronounced exactly as it looks: plahnt.

Here's a breakdown:

  • pl - like the "pl" in "play"
  • ant - like the "ant" in "ant"

Important Note: Don't pronounce the "a" as in "apple." It’s a short, unstressed "a" sound.

You can hear it pronounced correctly here: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/plant (look for the audio icon)

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some more words with similar pronunciations?

Usage and examples with the word plant in English

Let's break down how to use the word "plant" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with lots of different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Verb (To Put Something Down)

  • Putting a seed or seedling in the ground: This is the most common and literal meaning.
    • "I'm going to plant some flowers in the garden."
    • "She planted a tree on her birthday."
    • "He carefully planted the seeds and watered them."
  • Placing something carefully or deliberately: This goes beyond just gardening.
    • "The artist planted a deliberately provocative photograph in the gallery." (Meaning: placed it strategically to evoke a reaction)
    • "He planted a suggestion during the meeting." (Meaning: subtly introduced an idea)
    • "The comedian planted a joke at the beginning of his routine." (Meaning: carefully positioned it for maximum impact)
  • Establishing (a claim or idea): This is a more figurative use.
    • "The company is planting the seeds of innovation." (Meaning: fostering new ideas)
    • “The politician is planting the idea that he’s the only one who can fix the economy.” (Meaning: trying to convince people)

2. As a Noun (A Growing Thing)

  • A plant (a living organism): The basic definition.
    • “That’s a beautiful plant.”
    • “I need to water the plants.”
  • A specific type of plant:
    • “A cacti plant”
    • “A rose plant”
  • A device for recording information (often secretly): This is crucial to understand.
    • "The police found a listening plant hidden in the wall." (A bug or microphone)
    • "He suspected there was a plant in his office." (Meaning: a recording device)
  • A strategic or clever arrangement (often in a game or performance): This relates back to the “planting” meaning as a verb.
    • "The chess master planned a tricky plant." (Meaning: a clever move)
    • "The actor’s opening line was a well-placed plant." (Meaning: a strategically timed setup for a joke or reveal)

3. Phrases Using “Plant”

  • Plant someone (in a job/position): To hire or appoint someone.
    • “The company planted him in the rival firm to gather information.”
  • Plant a seed (of an idea): (See verb usage - establishing an idea)
  • Plant the suggestion: (See verb usage - introducing an idea subtly)
  • Plant evidence: (To intentionally place evidence to frame someone) - often used in crime contexts.
  • Plant a bomb: (A very serious and illegal action)

Tips for Understanding & Using “Plant”

  • Context is key: The meaning of "plant" almost always depends on the context of the sentence.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Be aware that it’s frequently used metaphorically (to describe ideas or actions).
  • Listen for how it's used: Pay attention to how native English speakers use the word in conversation and writing.

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What are you trying to do with the word “plant”? (e.g., Are you writing a story? Do you want to understand a conversation you heard? Are you learning for a specific context, like gardening?)

Synonyms for the word plant

Practice with vocabulary plant

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new manufacturing ____ is expected to create hundreds of jobs in the region.
  2. Scientists are studying a rare species of desert ____ that can survive extreme temperatures.
  3. Farmers will ____ a variety of vegetables in the fertile soil this season to ensure a bountiful harvest.
  4. The company decided to construct a new research ____ near the university campus to foster innovation.

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

  1. To ensure a bountiful yield, farmers typically ______ seeds in early spring. a) sow b) plant c) scatter d) transplant
  2. Which of the following terms refers to a living organism that typically grows in soil and uses photosynthesis? a) fungus b) animal c) plant d) bacteria
  3. The new automobile assembly ______ is highly automated, reducing manual labor requirements. a) factory b) workshop c) plant d) studio
  4. After a successful growing season, the ______ of corn was exceptionally high. a) harvest b) growth c) produce d) yield
  5. The IT department will ______ new servers in the data center next month to boost processing power. a) install b) arrange c) set up d) build

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The dense vegetation along the riverbank helps prevent soil erosion. (Rewrite using a form of "plant")
  2. A major automotive factory is slated for construction next year. (Rewrite using "plant")
  3. The spy managed to plant a listening device in the ambassador's office. (Rewrite without using "plant")

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. plant
  2. plant
  3. cultivate
  4. facility

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) sow, b) plant
  2. c) plant
  3. a) factory, c) plant
  4. a) harvest, d) yield
  5. a) install, c) set up

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The dense plants along the riverbank help prevent soil erosion. (Alternative: The dense plant growth along the riverbank helps prevent soil erosion.)
  2. A major automotive manufacturing plant is slated for construction next year.
  3. The spy managed to conceal a listening device in the ambassador's office. (Alternative: The spy managed to install a listening device in the ambassador's office.)

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