What is sew? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of sew

sewverb

/səʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of sew

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sew" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners!

Here's the breakdown:

  • Most Common Pronunciation (American English): /sū/ (rhymes with "you")

    • The "s" sound is very quick and almost silent.
    • The "ū" sound is a long "oo" sound as in "moon" or "blue."

  • British English Pronunciation: /seʊ/ (rhymes with "hue")

    • The "s" is still very quick.
    • The "eu" sound is a diphthong – that means it’s a combination of two vowel sounds, similar to the “u” in “you” but slightly more rounded. Think of it like a very short, gentle "oo" sound followed by a quick "e".

Tips for both pronunciations:

  • Don't overemphasize the "s": This is the most important thing. It's almost like the "s" is just a little nudge to get you to the correct vowel sound.
  • Focus on the vowel: The vowel sound is what makes it unique. Listen to examples online (see resources below) to really hear the difference.

Resources to help you hear the pronunciation:

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

  • What kind of English are you learning (American or British)?

Usage and examples with the word sew in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sew" in English. It has a few different meanings and uses!

1. The Core Meaning: To Join Fabric with Thread

  • Definition: To join pieces of fabric together using a needle and thread. This is the most common and fundamental meaning.
  • Examples:
    • "She sewed a button onto her coat."
    • "My grandmother taught me how to sew."
    • "I need to sew this ripped seam."
    • "She's sewing a beautiful quilt."
  • Related Verbs: seam, stitch, mend (often used in conjunction with "sew")

2. "Sew" as an Informal Verb (Meaning to Worry or Concern)

  • Definition: This is a less common, more dated, and slightly humorous usage. It means to worry or be concerned about something. It suggests a persistent, nagging worry.
  • Origin: It comes from the idea of a needle persistently piercing fabric – like a thought persistently piercing your mind.
  • Examples:
    • “Don’t sew over that missed deadline!” (Meaning: Don't worry excessively about it.)
    • “I'm not trying to sew you about it, but you really should apply for that job.” (Meaning: I'm not trying to keep you worried about it.)
    • “He’s sew worried about his exam.” (Meaning: He's excessively worried about his exam.)
  • Note: This usage is considered somewhat old-fashioned. You’ll hear it more in British English than American English. Using it in a formal setting might sound a bit unusual.

3. "Sew" as an Adjective (Describing Something Fine or Delicate)

  • Definition: Describes something very small, intricate, or delicate, often referring to embroidery or detailed work.
  • Examples:
    • “She wore a sew lace dress.” (Meaning: A dress with very fine lace)
    • "The embroidery was remarkably sew." (Meaning: The embroidery was extremely detailed.)

4. "Sew" as a Noun (Referring to the Act or Result)

  • Definition: Can refer to the act of sewing itself, or the finished product of sewing.
  • Examples:
    • “She spent the afternoon sew.” (Meaning: She spent the afternoon sewing.)
    • “The sew was beautiful.” (Meaning: The finished piece of sewing was beautiful.)

Here's a quick summary table:

Form Meaning Example
Verb Join fabric with thread "I’m going to sew a new button."
Verb Worry/concern (informal) “Don't sew me about the meeting.”
Adjective Very fine/delicate “She wore a sew lace dress.”
Noun The act of sewing/the product “She spent the afternoon sew.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you hoping to use the word "sew" in? (e.g., writing a story, asking a question, understanding a conversation)

Synonyms for the word sew

Practice with vocabulary sew

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ensure the dress fit perfectly, the tailor had to carefully _______ the various panels of fabric together.
  2. My grandmother loves to _______ sweaters and scarves for all her grandchildren, especially during winter.
  3. The company offers a service to _______ old garments, extending their lifespan and reducing waste.
  4. After the tear appeared in his jacket, he had to quickly _______ the opening before his important meeting.

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

  1. To create a custom-made shirt from a pattern, one must precisely _______ the pieces of fabric together. A. Sew B. Weave C. Knit D. Fuse

  2. When a loose button needs to be reattached securely, you need to _______ it back onto the garment. A. Sew B. Attach C. Re-fasten D. Glue

  3. The fashion student spent hours perfecting her technique to _______ the delicate lace onto the silk gown for the final project. A. Sew B. Drape C. Cut D. Design

  4. If a jacket's sleeves are too long or too short, a tailor can _______ them for a better fit. A. Alter B. Adjust C. Shorten D. Resize

  5. The textile artist decided to _______ a complex, colorful pattern onto the canvas bag, turning it into a unique piece of art. A. Paint B. Embroider C. Print D. Sketch

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Crafting bespoke suits requires great precision and attention to detail. Rewrite using "sew" or a related word form:

  2. Original: The fashion student spent the entire afternoon putting together the garment's various sections. Rewrite using "sew" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The artist had to carefully sew tiny beads onto the costume for the stage performance. Rewrite without using "sew":

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. sew
  2. knit
  3. repair
  4. sew

Exercise 2:

  1. A. Sew
  2. A. Sew, B. Attach, C. Re-fasten
  3. A. Sew
  4. A. Alter, B. Adjust, C. Shorten, D. Resize
  5. B. Embroider

Exercise 3:

  1. Rewrite: Sewing bespoke suits requires great precision and attention to detail.
  2. Rewrite: The fashion student spent the entire afternoon sewing the garment's various sections together.
  3. Rewrite: The artist had to carefully attach tiny beads onto the costume for the stage performance.

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