What is promenade? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of promenade

promenadenoun

/ˌprɒməˈnɑːd//ˌprɑːməˈneɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of promenade

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "promenade." It's a tricky one for English speakers! Here’s a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • pro-MEN-day

Let's break that down:

  • pro: Sounds like the word “pro” (as in “professional”). It’s a short, quick sound.
  • MEN: Sounds exactly like the word "men."
  • day: Sounds like the word "day."

Here's a more detailed phonetic breakdown (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

/prəˈmendeɪ/

  • prə: A very short, almost "uh" sound - like the "a" in "about."
  • ˈmen: This is the stressed syllable. The “men” is emphasized and spoken fairly clearly.
  • deɪ: Sounds like "day."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("MEN").
  • The "a" in "pro": Don't say it like "prom." It's a short, quick “uh” sound.
  • Don't over-elongate: Don’t drag out the "day" part. It's a quick syllable.

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce promenade" and you'll find audio clips.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/promenade/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce promenade" on YouTube for videos.

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Do you want a pronunciation specifically for British English or American English? (There can be slight variations.)

Usage and examples with the word promenade in English

Let's break down how to use the word "promenade" in English. It's a word with a lovely, slightly old-fashioned feel and has a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Verb (to walk leisurely):

  • Meaning: To stroll or walk along a promenade, often enjoying the scenery. It suggests a relaxed, pleasant walk.
  • Example: "We enjoyed a lovely promenade along the beach at sunset."
  • Example: "They promenaded through the park hand-in-hand, enjoying the flowers."
  • Synonyms: stroll, wander, saunter, take a walk

2. As a Noun (a seaside walk or balcony):

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It refers to a paved pathway or balcony along the seashore, often offering views of the sea or ocean. It's a dedicated area for walking and enjoying the waterfront.
  • Example: "We visited the promenade in Brighton and watched the seagulls."
  • Example: "There’s a cafe on the promenade where we had coffee."
  • Synonyms: boardwalk, sea walk, pier (sometimes - though "pier" often implies a structure with rides and attractions).

3. Historically (a social stroll or outing):

  • Meaning: Historically, “promenade” referred to a formal, social walk or outing, especially for women, in the 18th and 19th centuries. It was a way to socialize and observe each other. This use is much less common today.
  • Example: "Ladies would promenade in their finest gowns, discussing the latest fashions." (You’ll only typically see this wording in historical writing.)

4. (Less Common) In a Healthcare Context:

  • Meaning: Occasionally, "promenade" refers to a corridor or hallway in a hospital or nursing home, where patients can walk around for exercise or fresh air.
  • Example: “The residents enjoyed a walk along the promenade to get some sunshine.”

Tips for Using "Promenade" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "promenade" will usually be clear from the context.
  • It sounds elegant: The word has a refined, slightly old-fashioned feel. It’s often used to describe pleasant, scenic walks.
  • It suggests leisure: It’s almost always associated with a relaxed, enjoyable experience.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific nuance of the word's usage?
  • Help you practice using "promenade" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word promenade

Practice with vocabulary promenade

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the lunch break, many colleagues prefer to ________ in the courtyard to clear their minds.
  2. The city plans to extend the scenic ________ along the coastal path, making it more accessible for residents and tourists.
  3. The architectural team proposed a wide ________ connecting the new campus buildings, designed to encourage interaction.
  4. After the intense negotiation session, the CEO suggested we take a brief ________ around the block to unwind.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions best describes someone on a "promenade"? a) Sprinting a 100-meter race b) Taking a leisurely walk along a waterfront c) Conducting a rapid market survey d) Enjoying a relaxed evening stroll e) Cycling at high speed through a park

  2. A "promenade" is most typically found in which of the following settings? a) A bustling industrial park b) A quiet residential street c) A resort town by the sea d) A downtown commercial district with high-rise buildings e) A historical city center with pedestrianized areas

  3. What is another term for a broad, tree-lined thoroughfare, often designed for pedestrian use and leisurely movement? a) Alleyway b) Boulevard c) Lane d) Cul-de-sac

  4. Which of the following situations might involve a "promenade"? a) A public art exhibition installed along a city's riverwalk b) A formal procession during a university graduation ceremony c) A tourist group exploring a historic garden pathway d) All of the above

  5. If a project manager asks you to "circulate" the memo, what does "circulate" mean in this context? a) To rotate it in a circular motion b) To distribute it among a group c) To summarize it briefly d) To keep it confidential

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The delegates enjoyed a relaxed walk through the park before the afternoon session commenced. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "promenade".

  2. The famous coastal path, where people love to walk, offers breathtaking views of the ocean. Rewrite the sentence using "promenade".

  3. After hours of sitting at the computer, it's beneficial to get up and stretch your legs. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement for "stretch your legs", without using "promenade".

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the lunch break, many colleagues prefer to promenade in the courtyard to clear their minds.
  2. The city plans to extend the scenic promenade along the coastal path, making it more accessible for residents and tourists.
  3. The architectural team proposed a wide avenue connecting the new campus buildings, designed to encourage interaction.
  4. After the intense negotiation session, the CEO suggested we take a brief stroll around the block to unwind.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Taking a leisurely walk along a waterfront d) Enjoying a relaxed evening stroll
  2. c) A resort town by the sea e) A historical city center with pedestrianized areas
  3. b) Boulevard
  4. d) All of the above
  5. b) To distribute it among a group

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The delegates enjoyed a relaxed promenade through the park before the afternoon session commenced. (or: The delegates promenaded leisurely through the park before the afternoon session commenced.)
  2. The famous coastal promenade offers breathtaking views of the ocean.
  3. After hours of sitting at the computer, it's beneficial to get up and take a short walk.

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