What is square? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of square

squarenoun

/skwɛː/
Definition & pronunciation of square

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "square" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced! Here's a breakdown:

The correct pronunciation is: /ˈskweər/ (SKWAY-er)

Let's break it down into syllables:

  • Skway: This is the first syllable and is the most important part. It's pronounced like the word "squash" but with a slightly shorter vowel sound. Think of it like saying "squash" but simplifying the "a" sound.
  • Er: This is a very short, almost silent "er" sound, like the "er" in "her." It's quick and subtle.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  1. "Sk-": This is a common cluster of consonants in English. It's pronounced clearly.

  2. "Way": This is the core of the pronunciation. It's similar to the word "way" but with the "a" sound shortened.

  3. "-er": This is a simple "er" sound, as in "her" or "letter." It’s very brief.

Tips to help you:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. You can easily find examples on:

    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce square" and you'll find many audio clips and videos.
    • YouTube: There are tons of pronunciation tutorials.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/square/ This website lets you hear the word pronounced by native speakers from different regions.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

  • Focus on the "skway" sound: This is the key part that people often get wrong.

Common Mispronunciations:

  • "Square" as "squire": This is a very common mistake! It sounds like a nobleman.
  • Adding an extra "o" sound: ("square-oh") – this isn't correct.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using the word "square"?
  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly for you?

Usage and examples with the word square in English

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

1. Geometric Shape:

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the classic definition – a flat, four-sided shape with all sides equal and all angles equal to 90 degrees.
    • Example: "The kitchen table is a square."
    • Example: “He drew a square on the paper.”

2. Equal or Balanced:

  • Square (adj.): To be equal, fair, or just.

    • Example: “It’s not square to accuse someone without proof.”
    • Example: “The deal was square; everyone received an equal share.”
    • Example: “The judge ruled the case was square and in favor of the defendant.”

  • Square (v.): To make something equal or balance.

    • Example: "Let's square the accounts before the end of the month." (meaning to balance them)
    • Example: "He tried to square the situation with his brother." (meaning to resolve it fairly)

3. Formal or Conventional (often a bit old-fashioned):

  • Square (adj.): Conservative, traditional, and often lacking creativity or imagination. This is a more nuanced usage.

    • Example: “He’s a bit square; he doesn't like to try new things.”
    • Example: “That's a very square way of looking at the world.”

  • Square (v.): To behave in a formal or conventional manner; to adhere to rules.

    • Example: “Don’t be so square! Just relax and have fun.”

4. To Meet or Confront (often in a challenging way):

  • Square up (to): To confront someone directly, often in a hostile or challenging manner.
    • Example: "He squared up to his opponent before the fight."
    • Example: "She squared up to the manager about the faulty product."

5. To Adjust or Align:

  • Square off (something): To straighten or align something.
    • Example: “He squared off the picture on the wall so it looked straight.”
    • Example: “The carpenter squared off the wood before cutting it.”

6. (Slang - especially in the US) To be cool or excellent:

  • Square (adj. - slang): This is a more informal usage, primarily used in the United States. It means something is awesome, cool, or great.
    • Example: “That concert was totally square!”
    • Example: “He’s a square dude.” (meaning he’s a cool guy)

7. (Computing) A Square Matrix:

  • This is a technical term – a matrix (a rectangular array of numbers) where both the number of rows and columns are equal.

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Part of Speech Example
Geometric Shape Noun “The room is a square.”
Equal/Balanced Adjective “That’s a square deal.”
Equal/Balanced Verb “Let’s square the budget.”
Formal/Traditional Adjective “He’s a bit square.”
Confront Verb “He squared up to the bully.”
Align Verb “He squared off the table.”
Slang (US) Adjective “That movie was really square.”
Computing Noun “He worked with a square matrix.”

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

  • What context are you thinking about when you want to use "square"? (e.g., Are you describing a shape? Are you talking about fairness?)

Synonyms for the word square

Idioms of the word square

a square meal
a good meal that satisfies your hunger
  • He looks as though he hasn't had a square meal for weeks.
a square peg (in a round hole)
(informal)a person who does not feel happy or comfortable in a particular situation, or who is not suitable for it

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