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

    Practice with vocabulary square

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The urban planning committee approved the design for a new public ______ in the heart of the historic district.
    2. Before installing the shelving unit, the carpenter used a T-level to ensure the frame was perfectly ______ and level.
    3. The architectural brief specified a building with a predominantly ______ footprint, contrasting with the existing circular structures.
    4. For effective project management, it's crucial to maintain ______ communication channels with all stakeholders to avoid misunderstandings.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which terms can refer to an open public area, often in a city center? a) plaza b) square c) promenade d) courtyard

    2. If you've completed a task thoroughly and fairly, which expressions could you use? a) fair and square b) above board c) neat and tidy d) shipshape

    3. When trying to resolve a complex issue or reconcile differing accounts, which actions might be necessary? a) iron out the details b) smooth things over c) square things up d) compromise

    4. Which of these geometric shapes are characterized by having at least one pair of parallel sides? a) triangle b) trapezoid c) parallelogram d) pentagon

    5. In professional communication, which qualities are essential for building trust and credibility? a) transparency b) ambiguity c) authenticity d) impartiality

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: After several discrepancies were found, the finance department worked diligently to reconcile all the accounts and make them accurate. Rewrite using "square":

    2. Original: The new community area in the city center is designed as an open space for public events and relaxation. Rewrite using "square":

    3. Original: The architect decided to make the room's corners less sharp and more angular for a distinct aesthetic. Rewrite without using "square":

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. square
    2. square
    3. rectangular
    4. transparent

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. a) plaza, b) square, d) courtyard
    2. a) fair and square, b) above board, d) shipshape
    3. a) iron out the details, b) smooth things over, c) square things up, d) compromise
    4. b) trapezoid, c) parallelogram
    5. a) transparency, c) authenticity, d) impartiality

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. After several discrepancies were found, the finance department worked diligently to square up all the accounts.
    2. The new community area in the city center is designed as a public square for events and relaxation.
    3. The architect decided to make the room's corners less sharp, opting for a rounded design instead.

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