What is shot? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of shot

shotnoun

/ʃɒt/
Definition & pronunciation of shot

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "shot" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and it depends on the context!

1. The most common pronunciation (like in "shotgun"):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈʃɒt/ (sh-ott)
  • Breakdown:
    • sh: As in "ship" - a quick, sharp sound.
    • ott: Rhymes with "pot." The 'o' is a short 'o' sound, like in “hot.”

2. The less common pronunciation (like in "shot glass"):

  • Pronunciation: /ʃɑːt/ (sh-ahrt)
  • Breakdown:
    • sh: Same as above - a quick, sharp sound.
    • ahrt: The 'a' is a broad 'a' sound, like in "father." The 't' is a slightly softer 't'.

Here's a quick way to tell the difference:

  • "Shotgun" - Use the first pronunciation (/ˈʃɒt/)
  • "Shot glass" - Use the second pronunciation (/ʃɑːt/)

Resources to help you hear the pronunciation:

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Usage and examples with the word shot in English

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

1. As a Verb (Action - Shooting)

  • To fire a gun: This is the most common association.
    • "He shot the deer with his rifle."
    • "The police shot the suspect."
  • To take a photograph:
    • "I shot a great picture of the sunset." (More informal than "took a picture")
    • "She shot several photos of the kids playing."
  • To inject something (medicine, etc.):
    • "The doctor shot me with a vaccine."
    • "He got a shot in the arm."
  • To deliver something suddenly or unexpectedly: (Often used in a more figurative sense)
    • “He shot to fame after winning the competition.” (He suddenly became famous)
    • “She shot forward with the idea.” (She quickly and enthusiastically presented the idea).

2. As a Noun (Things related to shooting)

  • A bullet or projectile:
    • “The gun fired a shot.”
    • “He shielded himself with a shot.”
  • A photograph:
    • “This is a shot of the ballroom.”
    • “I need to get a shot of the cake for the menu.”
  • An injection: (A single dose)
    • "I need a shot of penicillin."
  • A brief, sudden burst (of something):
    • “There was a shot of applause.” (A brief burst of clapping)
    • “He gave me a shot of encouragement.” (A small, sudden comment of support)
    • “The rain came in a sudden shot.”

3. As a Noun (Other Meanings)

  • A portion or quantity (of something): (Often in cooking or beverages)
    • “I’ll have a shot of whiskey.”
    • “Can I have a shot of your coffee?"
    • "This sauce is a shot of lemon juice."
  • A stage in a movie or play: (A scene)
    • “That was a pivotal shot in the film.”

4. As an Adjective (Less Common)

  • (Of a wound) small and shallow: (Rare usage)
    • "He received a shot in his leg."

Here's a table summarizing the key uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb Fire a gun He shot the bird.
Verb Take a photo I shot a picture of the landscape.
Verb Inject with medicine She got a shot of antibiotics.
Verb Sudden burst/occurrence There was a shot of laughter.
Noun Bullet/projectile The gun fired a shot.
Noun Photograph This is a shot of the castle.
Noun Injection He needed a shot for his flu.
Noun Portion/quantity I’ll have a shot of espresso.
Noun Movie/play scene That was a key shot in the movie.

Tips for Using "Shot" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "shot" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Consider synonyms: When you're unsure, think about what you really mean and choose a more specific word (e.g., “fired,” “took a photo,” “administered”).
  • Pay attention to idioms: Some phrases use "shot" in idiomatic ways (e.g., "shot to fame").

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more examples of how to use "shot" in a specific context (e.g., sports, film, cooking)?
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Synonyms for the word shot

Idioms of the word shot

a big noise/shot/name
an important person
    call the shots/tune
    (informal)to be the person who controls a situation
      like a shot
      (informal)very quickly and without hesitating
      • If I had the chance to go there, I'd go like a shot.
      a long shot
      an attempt or a guess that is not likely to be successful but is worth trying
      • It's a long shot, but it just might work.
      not by a long shot
      not nearly; not at all
      • It's not over yet—not by a long shot.
      parting shot
      a final remark, especially an unkind one, that somebody makes as they leave
      • As her parting shot she warned Pete never to come near her again.
      a shot across the/somebody’s bows
      something that you say or do as a warning to somebody about what might happen if they do not change, etc.
        a shot in the arm
        something that encourages somebody/something or gives them the help they need
        • Their enthusiasm has been a shot in the arm for all of us.
        a shot/stab in the dark
        a guess; something you do without knowing what the result will be
        • The figure he came up with was really just a shot in the dark.
        • It was only a stab in the dark, but I hoped I could learn something.

        Practice with vocabulary shot

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. The CEO usually calls the ______ on major strategic decisions, guiding the company's direction.
        2. Despite the tight deadline, the team decided to give the innovative marketing campaign a ______ and see if it resonated with the target audience.
        3. The project manager emphasized the importance of a concerted ______ from everyone to meet the aggressive Q4 targets.
        4. Before traveling internationally, many health organizations recommend getting a preventative ______ to protect against common diseases.

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. To capture the rare bird, the photographer waited patiently for the perfect moment to ______. A) capture B) picture C) take a shot D) photograph

        2. The company decided to take a ______ at launching the new product without extensive market research, hoping for a quick win. A) chance B) experiment C) shot D) risk

        3. The doctor advised the patient to get the annual flu ______ to build immunity before winter. A) immunization B) injection C) vaccination D) shot

        4. Despite the setback, the team showed remarkable ______ in their pursuit of the complex research goal. A) perseverance B) attempt C) resilience D) fortitude

        5. The new intern was given the ______ to present their findings at the weekly team meeting, a great learning experience. A) opportunity B) occasion C) possibility D) prospect

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. The marketing team decided to try out a new social media strategy. (Rewrite using "shot")

        2. Who is in charge of making the important decisions for the project? (Rewrite using "shot")

        3. The executive committee wanted to make a sustained effort to improve employee satisfaction. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "shot")

        Answer:

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. shot
        2. shot
        3. effort
        4. vaccination

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. B) picture, C) take a shot, D) photograph
        2. A) chance, C) shot, D) risk
        3. A) immunization, B) injection, C) vaccination, D) shot
        4. A) perseverance, C) resilience, D) fortitude
        5. A) opportunity

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. The marketing team decided to give a new social media strategy a shot.
        2. Who is calling the shots for the project?
        3. The executive committee wanted to make a sustained endeavor to improve employee satisfaction.

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