What is sail? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of sail

sailnoun/verb

/seɪl/
Definition & pronunciation of sail

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sail." It's a tricky one for many learners because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules.

Here's the breakdown:

  • The Basic Sound: The primary sound is /seɪ/ (rhymes with "day"). This is the most important part.
  • The "S" Sound: The "s" is pronounced like the "s" in "sun" or "sit". It's not a hissing sound, but a clear "s".
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable, "sail."

Putting it together:

Say it slowly: "Say"

Here are a few ways to hear it:

  • Google Search: Type "How to pronounce sail" into Google and click the audio icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/sail/ - Forvo is a website where native speakers record pronunciations. This is a really helpful resource.
  • YouTube: Search for "How to pronounce sail" on YouTube – you'll find many videos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Not pronouncing the "s" clearly: Often learners will pronounce it like "sale" (as in, "on sale"). Focus on the "s" in "sun."
  • Saying it like "sayl": This is a very common mistake – it's not the correct pronunciation.

Do you want me to:

  • Say the word "sail" slowly for you?
  • Give you some similar words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word sail in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sail" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings, primarily related to boats and travel, but also with figurative uses. Here's a breakdown:

1. As a Verb (Action):

  • To travel by boat using wind power: This is the most common meaning. Think of yachts, sailboats, and cruises.

    • Example: “We sailed to the Bahamas for our summer vacation.”
    • Example: “The crew sailed smoothly through the storm.”

  • To propel a boat with a sail: This describes the action of using the sail to move the boat.

    • Example: “He expertly sailed the boat around the harbor.”
    • Example: “The wind filled the sail and we started to sail.”

2. As a Noun:

  • A sail: This refers to the fabric or other material that catches the wind and propels a boat.

    • Example: “The sail was ripped in the gale.”
    • Example: “A large square sail dominated the ship.”

  • To sail (a boat): Referring to the activity itself.

    • Example: “Sailing is my favorite hobby.”
    • Example: "They went sailing with their family."

3. Figurative Usage (Metaphorical):

This is where "sail" gets interesting. It’s often used metaphorically to describe movement, progress, or a journey—often a challenging or aspirational one.

  • To advance or progress (often slowly): Suggests a deliberate and perhaps cautious movement forward.

    • Example: "The company is sailing along nicely with its new product." (Meaning progressing well)
    • Example: “Despite the challenges, our project is sailing forward.”

  • To embark on a journey (figuratively): Similar to starting a new phase or venture.

    • Example: “After years of struggling, he finally sailed into a new career.”
    • Example: "Let’s sail into this new year with optimism."

4. Phrases with "Sail":

  • Sail away: To leave (often on a journey). Often used romantically or wistfully.

    • Example: “They sailed away into the sunset.”

  • Sail through (something): To succeed easily.

    • Example: “She sailed through the exam without studying.”

  • Sail against the wind: To struggle against difficulty or opposition.

    • Example: "The team was sailing against the wind trying to win the game."

  • Sail into: To arrive or enter something (often unexpectedly or successfully).

    • Example: "We sailed into a beautiful beach."

Tips for Using "Sail" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "sail" will be clear from the context of the sentence.
  • Combine with related words: Use words like "boat," "wind," "harbor," "voyage," "ship," and "cruise" to help clarify the meaning.
  • Consider the tone: Figurative uses of "sail" often create a more poetic or evocative feel.

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

  • Are you interested in a specific context where you want to use the word "sail"? (e.g., writing a story, describing a hobby, talking about a business)
  • Do you want me to focus on a particular aspect of its usage (e.g., just the boating definition, or only the figurative meanings)?

Synonyms for the word sail

Idioms of the word sail

sail close to the wind
to take a risk by doing something that is dangerous or that may be illegal

    Practice with vocabulary sail

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. After weeks of preparation, the expedition team was finally ready to ______ the open seas.
    2. The strong winds tore a large rip in the main ______, hindering the boat's progress.
    3. To reach the remote island, we had to ______ a narrow channel filled with unexpected currents.
    4. Our annual corporate ______ to the remote mountain lodge is always a great team-building experience.

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

    1. Which of the following verbs best describes a boat moving across water, especially when propelled by wind? a) anchor b) paddle c) sail d) submerge

    2. A critical component of a traditional sailboat, this large piece of fabric catches the wind. a) rudder b) keel c) mast d) sail

    3. After intense negotiations, the manager managed to ______ the complex deal through, securing a major contract. a) pull b) push c) sail d) work

    4. Which words could best describe a long trip across the ocean? a) journey b) commute c) voyage d) flight

    5. The team decided to ______ the new marketing strategy next quarter after receiving board approval. a) implement b) defer c) launch d) initiate

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: The ship departed from the harbor at dawn, heading for distant shores. Rewrite (using "sail" or a related word form):

    2. Original: Despite the challenging market conditions, our new product performed exceptionally well and achieved its targets easily. Rewrite (using "sail" or a related word form):

    3. Original: The small vessel sailed gracefully across the calm lake. Rewrite (do NOT use "sail", use a suitable replacement):

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. sail
    2. sail
    3. navigate
    4. retreat

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. c) sail
    2. d) sail
    3. c) sail
    4. a) journey, c) voyage
    5. a) implement, c) launch, d) initiate

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The ship set sail from the harbor at dawn, heading for distant shores.
    2. Despite the challenging market conditions, our new product sailed through to achieve its targets.
    3. The small vessel glided gracefully across the calm lake.

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