What is sage? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of sage

sagenoun

/seɪdʒ//seɪdʒ/
Definition & pronunciation of sage

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sage." It's a tricky one for English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /seɪd/ (sayd)

    • "say" as in "day"
    • "d" as a soft "d" sound – almost like a "th" sound, but with your tongue slightly further back. It's a very quick, almost silent "d."

Here's a more detailed breakdown to help you hear it:

  1. "sa": Say the syllables "sa" as in "sat."
  2. "ge": This is the tricky part. You’ll pronounce it with a very light, quick "d" sound after the "sa." Don’t fully articulate the “d.” It’s almost like a brief, aspirated "g" sound that blends into the "ay."

Tips & Considerations:

  • Don't overemphasize the "g" sound. It's not a full "g" like in "go."
  • Listen to examples. The best way to get it right is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce sage" on YouTube – you'll find many audio and video examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/sage/ – This website lets you hear pronunciations from native speakers.

Common Mispronunciations:

  • "sage" as “sa-zh”: This is a very common mistake, influenced by the French pronunciation. It’s not correct in standard English.
  • A full "g" sound: Similar to the above, completely articulating a "g" is incorrect.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide a phonetic transcription?
  • Give you some more examples of words that use the same pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word sage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sage" – it's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown of its different uses, with examples:

1. The Herb (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: A woody perennial herb of the mint family, Salvia officinalis, known for its fragrant leaves. It’s often used in cooking and medicinal preparations.
  • Usage: This is the most common understanding of "sage" today.
  • Examples:
    • "She added a pinch of dried sage to the turkey stuffing."
    • “The aroma of sage filled the kitchen as she prepared her Thanksgiving dinner.”
    • “Sage is used to aid digestion and soothe sore throats.”

2. A Wise Person (Figurative)

  • Meaning: A person respected for their wisdom, experience, and good judgment. Someone who offers thoughtful advice.
  • Usage: This is a more formal and literary usage. It's often used to describe an older person, or someone who has lived a long and fulfilling life.
  • Examples:
    • “The village elders were considered sages, offering guidance to the younger generation.”
    • “He sought the advice of a sage who had spent his life studying ancient texts.”
    • "Her calm demeanor and insightful comments made her feel like a true sage."

3. A Saint (Historical/Religious)

  • Meaning: Historically, in the Roman Catholic Church, a sage was a deacon who served as a scribe or clerk to a bishop. It’s a less common usage now.
  • Usage: Primarily found in historical or religious contexts.
  • Example: "The bishop was assisted by a learned sage who meticulously transcribed the documents."

4. (Less Common) – To advise wisely

  • Meaning: To give good advice; to offer wisdom.
  • Usage: This is a verb form, and less frequently used than the noun form.
  • Example: "The coach saged the young athletes, encouraging them to trust their instincts."

Here’s a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Part of Speech Example
Herb Noun “He used sage to flavor the stew.”
Wise Person Noun “She sought the counsel of a sage.”
Historical Noun “The bishop's sage kept the records.”
(Verb) Verb “The teacher saged the students.”

Tips for Using "Sage" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the context of the sentence to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Most Common: When in doubt, assume it means the herb.
  • Formal Tone: The "wise person" meaning is often more formal.

Resources for Further Exploration:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of a specific usage?
  • Help you understand how "sage" is used in a particular sentence?

Synonyms for the word sage

Practice with vocabulary sage

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The board often sought the counsel of the most experienced member, viewing him as a true ________.
  2. Investing in a diverse portfolio is a ________ financial strategy for long-term growth.
  3. Her ________ advice helped the new CEO navigate the challenging initial months of the acquisition.
  4. A good leader must possess a ________ eye for talent and potential within a team.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms can describe an individual renowned for profound wisdom and insightful advice? a) charlatan b) sage c) dilettante d) guru e) neophyte

  2. To clearly perceive or recognize the subtle differences between two things, often requiring careful observation, is to: a) conflate b) obfuscate c) discern d) merge

  3. The committee greatly valued her ________ perspective on the complex geopolitical issue, which offered clarity and foresight. a) impetuous b) astute c) foolish d) sage e) erratic

  4. Someone with extensive academic knowledge, often acquired through diligent scholarly study, is best described as: a) illiterate b) erudite c) pedantic d) naive

  5. In many ancient cultures, the respected individual who imparts wisdom and guides the community through life's challenges is revered as a(n) ________. a) charlatan b) dilettante c) sage d) novice e) elder

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His wisdom and long experience made his advice highly valued by the community. (Rewrite the sentence using a form of "sage" to describe his advice.)

  2. Despite the complexity of the situation, her insightful analysis helped us find a clear path forward. (Rewrite the sentence, replacing "insightful" with a suitable alternative word that is NOT "sage".)

  3. The old man was deeply respected for his knowledge and the wise counsel he always provided. (Rewrite the sentence, starting with "Regarded as a..." and using "sage" to describe the man.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. sage
  2. prudent
  3. sage
  4. discerning

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) sage, d) guru
  2. c) discern
  3. b) astute, d) sage
  4. b) erudite
  5. c) sage, e) elder

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The community highly valued his sage advice, which stemmed from his wisdom and long experience.
  2. Despite the complexity of the situation, her judicious analysis helped us find a clear path forward.
  3. Regarded as a sage, the old man was deeply respected for his profound knowledge and invaluable counsel.

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