What is seal? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of seal

sealnoun/verb

/siːl/
Definition & pronunciation of seal

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "seal" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and it depends on whether you're talking about the animal or the verb "to seal."

1. The Animal ("seal" - the marine mammal):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈsiːl/ (pronounced roughly like "steel")
  • Breakdown:
    • “si” – sounds like the word “see”
    • “l” – a simple “l” sound (like in "lamp")

2. The Verb ("seal" - to close or secure):

  • Pronunciation: /siːl/ (pronounced roughly like "steel")
  • Breakdown:
    • “si” – sounds like the word “see”
    • “l” – a simple “l” sound (like in "lamp")

Key Differences and Tips:

  • Rhyme: Both pronunciations rhyme with "steel."
  • Stress: The stress (emphasis) is on the first syllable ("si").

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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

  • What kind of "seal" are you referring to? (The animal or the verb?)

Usage and examples with the word seal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "seal" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a lot of different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by usage:

1. As a Verb (Action - to close or make airtight)

  • To close something tightly: This is the most common meaning.
    • “She sealed the envelope with wax.”
    • “He sealed the windows to keep out the cold.”
    • “Please seal the bag before you throw it away.”
  • To stamp or mark officially: This implies authentication or validation.
    • “The president sealed the legislation with his signature.” (Meaning he officially approved it)
    • “The document was sealed with a government stamp.”
  • To prevent something from escaping or leaking:
    • “The plumber sealed the pipe to stop the leak.”
    • “They sealed the container to preserve the food.”

2. As a Noun (Thing - a closing device or animal)

  • A closings device: This is what people usually think of first.
    • “He used a letter seal to decorate the envelope.” (A decorative stopper for envelopes)
    • “The window seal is cracked.” (A piece of material that makes a window airtight)
  • An animal (a marine mammal): Primarily referring to sea lions and harbor seals.
    • “We saw a seal basking on the rocks.”
    • “The seals are a protected species.”
  • A mark of sealing (Official Mark): A small emblem or stamp used to authenticate documents.
    • “The letter bore the official seal of the company.”
  • A layer or coating: (Less common, but still used)
    • “The seal on the paint protected it from the elements.”

3. Figurative Meanings

  • To guarantee or ensure: (Often used with "seal one's fate")
    • “He sealed his own doom with his reckless actions.” (Meaning he ensured a bad outcome)
    • “The contract sealed the deal.” (Meaning it finalized the agreement)
  • To secure a connection or relationship:
    • “The friendship sealed them together for life.”

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To close tightly “Seal the box before you ship it.”
Verb To stamp/mark officially “The document was sealed with the notary’s seal.”
Noun Closing device “He used a wax seal.”
Noun Marine mammal “A seal swam by the shore.”
Noun Official Mark “The letter bore the company seal.”
Figurative To guarantee/ensure “He sealed his fate.”

Tips for Choosing the Right Meaning

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.
  • Consider the subject: Is it about a physical object, an animal, or an abstract concept?
  • Think about the action: Is the word describing an action (closing) or a thing (an animal or a mark)?

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you trying to use the word "seal" in? (e.g., a sentence, a story, a conversation)

Synonyms for the word seal

Idioms of the word seal

my lips are sealed
used to say that you will not repeat somebody’s secret to other people
    signed and sealed | signed, sealed and delivered
    definite, because all the legal documents have been signed
    • The contracts are already signed and sealed.

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