What is scholarship? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of scholarship

scholarshipnoun

/ˈskɒləʃɪp//ˈskɑːlərʃɪp/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "scholarship" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "Sch-" - This part sounds like "skuh" (like "ski"). Think of the word "ski".
  • " -ship" - This part sounds like "ship" (as in a boat).

2. Putting it Together:

When you combine those two sounds, you get "skuh-lahr-ship"

3. Emphasis & Nuances:

  • Emphasis: The most common and natural way to stress the word is on the second syllable: "skuh-lahr-ship" (stress on "lahr").
  • The "r" sound: The "r" in "scholarship" is a subtle "r," not a strongly rolled "r" like you sometimes hear in Spanish. It's a very light, almost linked "r".
  • Vowel Sounds: Make sure your "uh" sound in "skuh" is clear and short.

4. Here's a breakdown into syllables (helpful for pronunciation):

  • skuh – (like “ski”)
  • lahr – (like “large” but shorter)
  • ship - (like “ship”)

Resources for Hearing it:

Tips for Practicing:

  • Say it slowly at first. Breaking it into those syllables helps.
  • Listen to native speakers. The audio examples above are great.
  • Record yourself and compare. This can help you identify areas you need to work on.
  • Don't be afraid to exaggerate the sounds at first to get a feel for them.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a practice sentence to try?

Usage and examples with the word scholarship in English

Let's break down how to use the word "scholarship" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Financial Award (Most Common)

  • Meaning: A grant or award given to a student to help pay for their education.
  • Usage: This is the most frequent way "scholarship" is used.
  • Examples:
    • "She received a full scholarship to Harvard University."
    • "He applied for several scholarships to cover tuition costs."
    • "The university offers scholarships based on academic achievement."
    • "Many scholarships require essays and letters of recommendation."
    • "Don't forget to check your local community foundation for scholarships."

2. As a Body of Knowledge/Study

  • Meaning: A systematic and organized body of knowledge about a particular subject. It implies deep study and expertise.
  • Usage: This usage is more formal and academic. It's about the field of study, not just a single award.
  • Examples:
    • "History is a vast scholarship." (meaning the entire body of knowledge about history)
    • "His research is grounded in classical scholarship." (meaning he's drawing on established knowledge in the field)
    • “The historian’s scholarship was remarkable.” (He was a brilliant researcher and had deep knowledge.)
    • "Archaeology is a complex scholarship."

3. As a Person Who Studies Diligently

  • Meaning: A person engaged in serious academic study. (Less common than the first two usages).
  • Usage: Describing someone who is dedicated to learning.
  • Examples:
    • “He’s a true scholarship – he spends hours in the library.”
    • "The professor praised her scholarship and her insightful questions." (Here, it describes her intellectual quality).

Key Differences to Remember:

Usage Meaning Example
Financial Award A grant for education "She earned a scholarship for her grades."
Body of Knowledge A field of study “The scholarship of Renaissance art is extensive.”
Person A dedicated student "He’s a gifted scholarship."

Tips for Using "Scholarship" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine which meaning is intended.
  • Formal vs. Informal: The “body of knowledge” usage is more formal than the financial award usage.
  • Don’t Overuse: While a powerful word, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation.

Resources for Finding Scholarships:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more examples of how to use "scholarship" in a sentence?
  • Explain a specific usage in more detail (e.g., how scholarships are awarded)?

Synonyms for the word scholarship

Practice with vocabulary scholarship

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Her exceptional academic record earned her a prestigious __________ to pursue graduate studies at Oxford.
  2. The company offers a substantial research __________ to projects focusing on sustainable energy solutions.
  3. Many undergraduate students rely on a __________ to offset the high costs of university education.
  4. The annual __________ for international students at this institution has recently increased, making financial planning even more crucial.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following typically provides financial aid for educational expenses based on merit or need? A) stipend B) scholarship C) allowance D) salary

  2. Which of these terms primarily signifies financial assistance given to students for their education? A) Bursary B) Endowment C) Scholarship D) Remuneration

  3. The term 'scholarship' can also refer to: A) an expert's deep knowledge and rigorous study in a field B) a form of competitive academic gaming C) a student's monthly living expenses D) a paid vocational training program

  4. Which of these words describes the fee paid for academic instruction at a university or college? A) Tuition B) Admission C) Credential D) Curriculum

  5. Which of the following terms refers to a formal recognition given for outstanding achievement, often without direct financial value? A) Fellowship B) Award C) Grant D) Accolade

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her excellent grades helped her secure financial aid to attend a top university. (Rewrite using "scholarship".)

  2. Professor Davies is well-known for his extensive knowledge and rigorous academic work in ancient philosophy. (Rewrite using a form of "scholarship".)

  3. The research institute provided a significant sum of money to cover his living costs during his postdoctoral research period. (Rewrite without using "scholarship", using a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. scholarship
  2. grant
  3. scholarship
  4. tuition

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) scholarship
  2. A) Bursary, C) Scholarship
  3. A) an expert's deep knowledge and rigorous study in a field
  4. A) Tuition
  5. B) Award, D) Accolade

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her excellent grades helped her secure a scholarship to attend a top university.
  2. Professor Davies is well-known for his profound scholarship in ancient philosophy.
  3. The research institute provided a significant stipend to cover his living costs during his postdoctoral research period.

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