What is scurry? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of scurry

scurryverb

/ˈskʌri//ˈskɜːri/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "scurry" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "Sc-": This part is tricky! It's not like the "sc" in "scrape" or "science." It's a short, quick "sk" sound – almost like you’re whispering "sk." Think of the "sk" in "skip."
  • "ur": This is a typical "ur" sound, similar to the "ur" in "burn" or "turn."
  • "-ry": This is a suffix that often creates a slightly raspy or breathy sound. It can be a little like “ree” but softer.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: "SKUR-ree"

Let's break that down further:

  • SKUR: Quickly say "sk" followed by "ur." Don't draw it out too long.
  • -ree: Say “ree” with a softer, breathy sound at the end. It’s not a hard “ree” as in “read.”

3. Tips for Getting the Sound Right:

4. Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "sker-ree": This is a very common mistake. The emphasis is on the "sk" sound, not the "ker" sound.
  • Pronouncing the "sc" too strongly: It's a quick, brief sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more example sentences to hear it in context?

Usage and examples with the word scurry in English

Let's break down how to use the word "scurry" in English. It’s a wonderfully evocative word that describes a quick, hurried movement, often with a sense of nervousness or urgency.

1. Core Meaning:

At its most basic, "scurry" means to move quickly and hurriedly, usually in a restless or nervous way. Think of small animals darting around.

2. How to Use It – Different Contexts:

  • Describing Animals: This is where "scurry" is most commonly used.

    • "The mice scurried across the floor when they heard the cat."
    • "Squirrels scurried up the trees as the rain began."
    • "The rabbits scurried into their burrows."

  • Describing People (often with nervousness): It suggests a rushed, almost panicked movement.

    • "She scurried around the kitchen, trying to finish the meal before her guests arrived." (Implies she was a little stressed.)
    • "He scurried out of the room when he heard his boss’s voice." (Suggests he was embarrassed or didn't want to be seen.)
    • "The children scurried to catch the bus before it left." (Suggests a sense of urgency).

  • Describing Objects Moving Quickly: Less common, but it can describe things moving suddenly and rapidly.

    • “Leaves scurried across the lawn in the wind.”
    • "The papers scurried across the desk as he frantically searched for them."

3. Key Nuances & Connotations:

  • Restlessness: "Scurry" implies a lack of control or a feeling of being rushed.
  • Smallness/Agility: It’s often associated with small creatures, emphasizing their quickness and maneuverability.
  • Urgency: There’s usually a sense that something important is happening, or that someone or something is trying to escape.

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Dash
  • Scuttle
  • Dart
  • Hurry
  • Rush
  • Scamper
  • Race

5. Example Sentences (Combining Different Uses):

  • "The squirrels scurried up the oak tree, gathering acorns for the winter." (Animal)
  • "She scurried to gather her belongings, realizing she was late for her appointment." (Person - hurried)
  • “Papers scurry across the desk as the employee frantically tries to find the missing document.” (Object)

Resources for Further Exploration:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of "scurry" in specific contexts?
  • Help you find a sentence using “scurry” and analyze it?

Synonyms for the word scurry

Practice with vocabulary scurry

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. When the fire alarm blared, employees began to ______ out of the building in a panic.
  2. The project deadline loomed, causing the team to ______ through their tasks, hoping to meet the impending due date.
  3. Despite the unexpected challenges, the manager urged everyone to maintain their composure and avoid making hasty decisions that could further complicate the situation.
  4. The consultant advised the company to ______ its resources more efficiently to maximize productivity and reduce overhead costs.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes the quick, short movements of a small animal trying to avoid detection? a) stride b) lumber c) scurry d) meander

  2. After the sudden announcement of the merger, the administrative staff had to ______ to compile the necessary reports before the end of the day. (Select all that apply) a) dawdle b) scurry c) rush d) linger

  3. The young intern tried to ______ unobtrusively through the busy office, hoping not to disturb the senior executives. a) saunter b) stroll c) scurry d) wander

  4. Which word describes a large group of people moving quickly and forcefully in a particular direction? a) trickle b) surge c) creep d) mosey

  5. To avoid the sudden downpour, we decided to ______ quickly under the nearest awning. a) amble b) bolt c) shuffle d) loiter

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The small child moved very quickly to hide behind her mother's legs when the large dog barked. (Rewrite using a form of "scurry")
  2. The financial analysts quickly searched through the data, looking for any anomalies that might indicate a problem. (Rewrite using "scurry")
  3. During the peak hours, many commuters quickly and busily walked through the station to catch their trains. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "scurry" or its synonyms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. When the fire alarm blared, employees began to scurry out of the building in a panic.
  2. The project deadline loomed, causing the team to scurry through their tasks, hoping to meet the impending due date.
  3. Despite the unexpected challenges, the manager urged everyone to maintain their composure and avoid making hasty decisions that could further complicate the situation.
  4. The consultant advised the company to allocate its resources more efficiently to maximize productivity and reduce overhead costs.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) scurry
  2. b) scurry, c) rush
  3. c) scurry
  4. b) surge
  5. b) bolt

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The small child began to scurry behind her mother's legs when the large dog barked.
  2. The financial analysts scurried through the data, looking for any anomalies that might indicate a problem.
  3. During the peak hours, many commuters hustled through the station to catch their trains.

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