What is pole? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of pole

polenoun

/pəʊl/
Definition & pronunciation of pole

The word "pole" in English has a few different pronunciations depending on its usage! Here's a breakdown:

1. As in a wooden stick or rod (most common):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈpɔːl/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)
  • How it sounds: It's pronounced like "powl" (rhymes with "bowl"). The "o" sound is a bit open, like in "caught."

2. As in a flagpole:

  • Pronunciation: /poʊl/ (IPA)
  • How it sounds: It's pronounced like "pole" (rhymes with "hole"). The “o” sound is a shorter, flatter vowel.

3. As in a position (often used in sports like hockey):

  • Pronunciation: /pɔːl/ (IPA - same as #1)
  • How it sounds: Exactly the same as the first pronunciation - "powl".

Here's a simple way to remember:

  • "Powl" is generally the most common pronunciation and works for most uses.

Resources for hearing the pronunciation:

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

  • What context are you encountering the word "pole" in? (e.g., "a wooden pole," "a flagpole," "hockey pole")

Usage and examples with the word pole in English

The word "pole" has a surprisingly wide range of uses in English! Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Pole (Most Common)

  • Definition: A long, straight piece of wood, metal, or other material.
  • Examples:
    • "The skiers used poles to help them balance and propel themselves down the slope." (Sports)
    • "A lamppost is a tall pole with a light on top." (Architecture/Infrastructure)
    • "He leaned his umbrella against a pole." (Everyday objects)
    • "The lighthouse stands on a cliff overlooking the sea, supported by a strong pole." (Landmark)

2. As a Verb (To Stick Up)

  • Definition: To stand upright, often vertically.
  • Examples:
    • "The flag is pole-mounted on the building." (Describes the location)
    • “The satellite dish pole stood out in the yard.” (Describes a position)

3. Electrical Poles

  • Definition: Wooden or metal structures that support electrical wires.
  • Examples:
    • "The power lines stretched between the poles.”
    • “The lineman climbed the pole to repair the downed wire.”

4. Political/Ideological (Figurative)

  • Definition: To represent a particular belief or political stance. Often implies a rigid, uncompromising position.
  • Examples:
    • "He fiercely pole-mounted himself to the idea that all economic problems could be solved by cutting taxes." (Strong, unwavering opinion)
    • “The activist pole-mounted on the issue of environmental protection.” (Dedicated and unwavering advocate)

5. (Less Common) Geographic - A Point

  • Definition: A point of reference or a landmark. Often used in maps and navigation.
  • Examples:
    • “The explorers followed the pole to find the river.” (Referencing a key location)

6. (Slang - Regional - Primarily British)

  • Definition: (Mostly in Scotland and Northern England) A young man or boy, often a teenager.
  • Example: "He's a right pole, that lad." (Informal, meaning a mischievous or troublesome young man) - Note: This usage is fairly regional and might sound strange to some.

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Part of Speech Example
Physical Stick Noun “He used a pole to fish.”
To Stand Upright Verb "The flagpole pole-mounted proudly."
Electrical Noun “The lines were strung on power poles.”
Political Noun "He pole-mounted to the idea."
Geographic Noun "They followed the pole to the sea."
Slang (UK) Noun "That lad is a right pole."

Resources for More Information:

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "pole"? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, doing homework)

Synonyms for the word pole

Idioms of the word pole

be poles apart
to be widely separated; to have no interests that you share
  • Her own friends were poles apart from his.
  • In temperament, she and her sister are poles apart.
the greasy pole
(informal)used to refer to the difficult way to the top of a profession
    not touch somebody/something with a ten-foot pole
    (informal)to refuse to get involved with somebody/something or in a particular situation
    • Personally, I wouldn’t touch him or his business with a ten-foot pole.
    up the pole
    (British English, old-fashioned, informal)crazy

      Practice with vocabulary pole

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks (4 sentences)

      1. The telecommunications company installed a new fiber optic cable along the utility ________ next to the road.
      2. Scientists are studying the accelerating ice melt at the North ________, which has significant global climate implications.
      3. During the archaeological excavation, researchers uncovered a decorative stone ________ that once supported the temple's roof.
      4. He used a long metal ________ to stir the chemicals safely from a distance.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (5 questions — there may be multiple correct answers per question)

      1. Which of the following can refer to a long, cylindrical object used for support or as an indicator? a) pillar b) stick c) pole d) rod

      2. Political debates often see candidates at opposite ________ regarding economic policy. a) sides b) ends c) poles d) viewpoints

      3. The expedition team reached the magnetic North ________ after months of challenging travel. a) point b) region c) pole d) vertex

      4. Which word best describes a strong, upright support, often made of wood or concrete, used in construction or as a fence component? a) beam b) plank c) post d) bar

      5. To safely reach the high shelf, she needed a long ________ to dislodge the box. a) lever b) stick c) arm d) grabber

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences (3 questions)

      1. Rewrite: The athletes placed a tall, slender marker at the finish line. (Use "pole" or a related word form)

      2. Rewrite: Their opinions on the matter were diametrically opposed. (Use "pole" or a related word form)

      3. Rewrite: The old fisherman always carried a long stick for fishing. (Do NOT use "pole")

      Answer:

      Exercise 1:

      1. pole
      2. pole
      3. pillar
      4. rod

      Exercise 2:

      1. b) stick, c) pole, d) rod
      2. a) sides, b) ends, c) poles, d) viewpoints
      3. c) pole
      4. c) post
      5. b) stick

      Exercise 3:

      1. The athletes erected a finish line pole.
      2. Their opinions on the matter were at opposite poles.
      3. The old fisherman always carried a long rod for fishing.

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