What is score? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of score

scorenoun

/skɔː/
Definition & pronunciation of score

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "score" in English. It's a tricky one because it's spelled similarly to how it's pronounced in some other languages.

Here's the most common and generally accepted pronunciation in American English:

** /ˈskɔːr/ (skohr)**

Let's break that down:

  • ˈskɔːr – This is the stressed syllable.
    • sk – Pronounced like the "sk" in "skin"
    • ɔːr – This is the tricky part. It's a rounded "or" sound, like the "or" in "more" or "door." It's not quite like the "o" in "hot." Think of it as a slightly more open "o" sound.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

  1. Start with the 'sk' sound: Similar to "skin" or "ask."
  2. Then, add the 'or' sound: This is the key. Make your lips rounded as if you're about to say "more." This rounded "or" sound is what differentiates it from other pronunciations.

Resources to hear it:

Important Note: In British English, the pronunciation is slightly different: /ˈskoʊr/ (skohr). This pronunciation has a more shallow “or” sound and is closer to something like "shore".

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

  • Are you aiming for American or British English pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word score in English

Let's break down how to use the word "score" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. To Achieve a Number (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To obtain a certain number of points in a game, competition, or test.
  • Examples:
    • "The team scored three goals in the first half." (Sports)
    • "She scored 90% on the exam." (Test)
    • "The company scored a huge deal with a major client." (Business – a significant success)
    • "The boxer scored a knockout." (Sports)

2. To Cut or Mark (Physical Action)

  • Meaning: To cut or make a score in something, usually with a tool.
  • Examples:
    • "He scored a line in the paper with a pen."
    • "The carpenter scored the wood before cutting it."
    • "She scored her initials into the leather of the book."

3. To Make a Profit (Business)

  • Meaning: To make a profit; to earn money. Often used informally.
  • Examples:
    • "They scored big last year." (Meaning: they made a lot of profit)
    • "We scored a good deal on that property." (Meaning: we got a good profit)

4. To Record a Point (Specifically in Sports/Games)

  • Meaning: To officially record a point. Often used in the context of officiating.
  • Examples:
    • "The referee scored the point for the home team."
    • "The umpire scored the run."

5. (As a Verb – Less Common) To Obtain a Grade or Rank

  • Meaning: To achieve a certain grade or rank. This is less frequent than the first meaning.
  • Example: “She scored highly in the competition.”

6. "Score" as a Noun (Referring to Points)

  • Meaning: The number of points achieved.
  • Examples:
    • "The team's score was 2-1."
    • "What was her score on the test?"

Phrases Using "Score"

  • Score points: To make a good point, to be effective. ("He scored a very important point in the debate.")
  • Score high: To achieve a high score.
  • Score well: To do well.
  • Score a goal: (Sports – primarily soccer/football) To score a point by kicking or heading the ball into the net.
  • Score a win: To win a game or competition.

Tips for Using "Score" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "score" depends entirely on the situation.
  • Pay attention to the surrounding words: Words like "goal," "exam," "points," "profit," or "game" will usually indicate the intended meaning.

Resources for further learning:

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  • Explain how "score" differs from a similar-sounding word (like "score" as in "to mark")?

Synonyms for the word score

Idioms of the word score

score a point/points (off/against/over somebody)
to show that you are better than somebody, especially by making clever remarks, for example in an argument
  • He was always trying to score points off his teachers.

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