What is spray? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of spray

spraynoun/verb

/spreɪ/
Definition & pronunciation of spray

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "spray." Here's a breakdown with phonetic information and tips:

Phonetic Transcription: /streɪ/

Here's how it sounds:

  1. "st" - Pronounce this as a single, quick syllable. It's a short, sharp "st" sound, almost like the "st" in "stop" but quicker.

  2. "reɪ" - This is the tricky part! It’s a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds blending together. It sounds like the "ay" in "say" or "day". Think of it as gliding smoothly from a slightly flat sound to a higher, brighter sound.

Putting it together:

Say it quickly: "Stray" (like you're saying “straw” quickly)

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "st": It's a quick, almost swallowed sound.
  • Focus on the "reɪ" diphthong: This is the key to sounding natural. Practice saying “say” and "day" and try to blend them together smoothly.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Say it aloud?
  • Give you some more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word spray in English

Let's break down how to use the word "spray" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and usages!

1. To Apply Liquid with Force (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To scatter a liquid (like water, paint, insecticide, or perfume) quickly and forcefully over a surface or area.
  • Examples:
    • “He sprayed the flowers with the hose.” (watering)
    • “The artist sprayed the wall with bright blue paint.” (painting)
    • “The farmer sprayed the crops with pesticide.” (insect control)
    • “She sprayed her hair with a floral perfume.” (fragrance)
  • Key Phrases:
    • “Spray with…” (e.g., “Spray with water,” “Spray with repellent”)
    • “Sprayed generously”
    • “Lightly sprayed”

2. To Discharge or Emit (Not Necessarily Liquid)

  • Meaning: To release something quickly and in a large quantity, even if it's not a liquid. This is a slightly less common usage.
  • Examples:
    • “The volcano sprayed lava down the mountainside.” (hot rock)
    • “The car sprayed mud as it drove through the puddle.” (dirt/debris)
    • “The speaker sprayed his ideas at the audience.” (figuratively - ideas, opinions)

3. (Slang) To Mess Around/Cause Trouble

  • Meaning: (Informal, often used in British English) To behave mischievously or disrupt something.
  • Examples:
    • “The kids were spraying around the house.” (mischief)
    • “He’s always spraying trouble wherever he goes.” (causing problems)

4. As a Verb in Phrasal Verbs

  • "Spray up" – (less common) To quickly increase or expand. (e.g., "The business sprayed up after the new marketing campaign.")

Here's a breakdown of how to use it grammatically:

  • Verb: “I spray the plants.” “She sprayed the wall.” “They sprayed the area with disinfectant.”
  • Object: The object of the verb “spray” is what you are spraying. It’s usually a noun (water, paint, etc.).
  • Adverbs: You can add adverbs to modify how you spray: “He sprayed the garden carefully.” “She sprayed the cake generously.”

Tips for Using “Spray” Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of “spray” depends heavily on the context.
  • Consider the liquid or substance: “Spray” usually implies a liquid, but not always.
  • Be aware of the slang meaning: Only use the slang definition in informal settings and with people who understand it.

Resources for further learning:

To help me give you even more targeted information, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use the word "spray" in? (e.g., a story, a conversation, a description, etc.)

Synonyms for the word spray

Practice with vocabulary spray

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ensure all surfaces are disinfected, thoroughly ______ the cleaning solution over them.
  2. Before applying the topcoat, remember to ______ a thin layer of primer for better adhesion.
  3. The air freshener release a fine ______ of fragrance into the room.
  4. The manager had to ______ the team members throughout different departments to balance the workload.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions typically involves an aerosol can? a) pouring b) spraying c) dipping d) stirring

  2. To apply a liquid in very fine droplets, you would most likely: a) pour it b) drizzle it c) spray it d) sprinkle it

  3. If a chef wants to evenly distribute a very small amount of oil over a large pan, they might: a) brush the oil b) pour the oil c) spray the oil d) rub the oil

  4. When you want to scatter seeds broadly across a garden bed, you: a) condense them b) collect them c) disperse them d) gather them

  5. Which of these words best describes the act of gently spreading a cream or ointment over skin? a) splash b) apply c) squirt d) douse

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The security agent used a pressurized can to release a defensive irritant. Rewrite the sentence to include a form of "spray".

  2. During the product demonstration, a fine mist of water was emitted to simulate rain. Rewrite the sentence to include a form of "spray".

  3. The strong winds caused the dust particles to spread widely across the arid landscape. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement for "spread widely" (do not use "spray").

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. spray
  2. apply
  3. spray
  4. disperse

Exercise 2:

  1. b) spraying
  2. c) spray
  3. a) brush the oil, c) spray the oil
  4. c) disperse
  5. b) apply

Exercise 3:

  1. The security agent sprayed a defensive irritant from a pressurized can.
  2. During the product demonstration, a fine water spray was emitted to simulate rain.
  3. The strong winds caused the dust particles to scatter across the arid landscape.

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