What is smashed? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of smashed

smashedadjective

/smæʃt//smæʃt/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "smashed" in English. It's a tricky one because it's a common source of mispronunciation! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

/ˈsmeɪʃt/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈsmə - This is the first syllable. It’s pronounced like "smuh." The "uh" sound is a short, unstressed vowel. Think of the "uh" in "but" or "sun."
  • eɪ - This is the second syllable. It's pronounced like "ay" as in "say" or "play."
  • ʃt - This is the final syllable. “sh” as in “ship” followed by “t” as in “top”.

Here’s a more detailed explanation and some things to watch out for:

  • Don't say "smah." This is the biggest mistake people make. The "s" isn’t silent; it’s just less emphasized in this word.
  • The "a" in "smashed" is not like the "a" in "cat." It’s the short “a” as in “smell” or “small.”
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("smuh"). This is crucial for proper pronunciation.

Resources to hear it pronounced:

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  • Are you trying to pronounce this word in a particular accent (e.g., American, British, Australian)?

Usage and examples with the word smashed in English

Let's break down how to use the word "smashed" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and nuances. Here's a breakdown categorized by usage:

1. As a Verb – To Break with Force

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. “Smashed” means to break something violently into pieces.

    • Example: “He smashed the window in a fit of anger.”
    • Example: “The kids smashed the cookies on the floor.”
    • Notice: It implies a forceful, destructive act.

  • Variations:

    • Smashed up: This means to completely destroy something or to be completely destroyed.
      • Example: “The car was smashed up in the accident.”
      • Example: “After the storm, the old building was smashed up.”

2. As an Adjective – Intoxicated (Usually with Alcohol)

  • Meaning: This is a slang term meaning "very drunk." It’s often informal and can be considered a bit crude.

    • Example: “We were smashed last night at the party.”
    • Example: “He was completely smashed after drinking all night.”

  • Caution: Be mindful of your audience when using this. It’s generally best avoided in formal settings.

3. Figurative Meanings (Emotional/Expressive)

  • Smashed to bits: This is an idiomatic expression meaning utterly devastated, heartbroken, or emotionally destroyed.

    • Example: “She was smashed to bits when he broke up with her.”
    • Example: “I felt completely smashed to bits after hearing the news.”

  • Smashed my goals/record/etc.: This means to fail to achieve something.

    • Example: "I smashed my personal best time in the race!" (meaning I did really well)
    • Example: "The weather smashed our plans for a picnic."

4. Less Common Usages

  • Smashed grapes (wine): Refers to grapes that have been crushed to make wine. "We had smashed grapes for the vintage."

Tips for Using "Smashed" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: As you can see, the meaning of “smashed” changes dramatically depending on the context. Pay close attention to the surrounding words.
  • Formality: Use the verb form ("smashed") in most situations. The adjective form ("smashed") is generally casual.
  • Figurative Language: Be careful when using figurative expressions like "smashed to bits." These add emotional weight but aren't suitable for every situation.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • In what context are you thinking of using the word "smashed"? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, understanding a song lyric?)

Synonyms for the word smashed

Practice with vocabulary smashed

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The delivery driver accidentally dropped the package, and the fragile contents were completely ___________.
  2. After months of planning, their proposal to merge the departments was ultimately ___________ by senior management.
  3. The unexpected news instantly __________ her composure, leaving her speechless.
  4. The heavy machinery __________ the raw materials into a fine powder for processing.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The antique vase fell and was ___________. a) cracked b) shattered c) smashed d) chipped

  2. The new product line completely __________ its sales targets in the first quarter. a) exceeded b) demolished c) smashed d) surpassed

  3. During the protest, a window of the government building was __________ by an angry demonstrator. a) broken b) smashed c) pierced d) shattered

  4. The company's reputation was __________ by the scandal. a) tarnished b) ruined c) fractured d) discredited

  5. Before the official announcement, details of the merger were accidentally __________ to the press. a) divulged b) revealed c) disclosed d) compressed

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The vehicle was severely damaged after hitting the guardrail at high speed. (Use "smashed")
  2. The athlete easily surpassed the previous world record in the long jump. (Use "smashed")
  3. The old bridge collapsed under the weight of the overloaded truck. (Do NOT use "smashed")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. smashed
  2. smashed
  3. shattered
  4. crushed

Exercise 2:

  1. b) shattered, c) smashed
  2. a) exceeded, c) smashed, d) surpassed
  3. a) broken, b) smashed, d) shattered
  4. a) tarnished, b) ruined, d) discredited
  5. a) divulged, b) revealed, c) disclosed

Exercise 3:

  1. The vehicle was smashed after hitting the guardrail at high speed.
  2. The athlete easily smashed the previous world record in the long jump.
  3. The old bridge buckled under the weight of the overloaded truck.

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