What is stamp? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of stamp

stampverb

/stamp/
Definition & pronunciation of stamp

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "stamp" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /stæmp/ (rhymes with "camp")

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • st: Pronounced like the "st" in "stop"
  • a: Pronounced like the "a" in "father"
  • mp: Pronounced as a single sound – like "m" followed immediately by "p". Think of a quick, slight "mp" sound.

Tips for saying it correctly:

  • Focus on the "a" sound: Make sure it’s an open "a" like in "father," not a short "a" like in "cat."
  • The "mp" is key: Don't separate the "m" and "p" sounds. They blend together.

You can hear examples of the pronunciation here:

  • Google: Simply type "how to pronounce stamp" into Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/stamp/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down a different word?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (e.g., the vowel sound)?

Usage and examples with the word stamp in English

Let's break down how to use the word "stamp" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown by category:

1. As a Verb (To mark with a stamp)

  • Definition: To mark something with a stamp, especially to authorize or identify it.
  • Examples:
    • "The customs officer stamped my passport." (Authorized entry)
    • "The manager stamped the approval on the project proposal." (Officially approved it)
    • "She stamped her foot in frustration." (A forceful action – often used metaphorically)
    • "He stamped the document with his seal." (More formal way of saying he marked it)

2. As a Noun (The physical object)

  • Definition: A small, adhesive piece of paper or plastic used to pay postage on letters and packages.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to buy some stamps for my postcards."
    • "He collected stamps from all over the world."
    • "The stamp cost 50 cents."
    • "There was a mistake on the stamp - it was upside down."

3. As a Noun (A mark or impression)

  • Definition: A mark left by a stamp, or a general mark indicating something.
  • Examples:
    • "There's a stamp on the envelope." (Referring to the impression left by the stamp)
    • “He left a stamp of approval on the project.” (Meaning he gave it his support)
    • “The city is trying to stamp out homelessness.” (Meaning to eliminate or suppress)

4. Figurative Uses of "Stamp"

  • "To stamp out" (Verb - figurative): To suppress or eliminate something entirely.
    • "The government is trying to stamp out corruption." (To eradicate it completely)
  • "A stamp of approval" (Noun - figurative): A mark of acceptance or approval.
    • "The film received a stamp of approval from critics."
  • "A stamp of quality" (Noun - figurative): Something that indicates a high standard or reliability.
    • "The company has a stamp of quality due to their long history."

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings and usage:

Form Meaning Example
Verb To mark with a stamp “The teacher stamped the test.”
Noun Adhesive postage item “I need more stamps for the mail.”
Noun Mark left by a stamp “There’s a stamp on the corner.”
Fig. Verb To suppress/eliminate “They stamp out dissent.”
Fig. Noun Approval/Acceptance “The deal got a stamp of approval.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • What context are you encountering the word "stamp" in? (e.g., reading a book, hearing a conversation, writing an essay?)
  • Are you trying to use it in a specific sentence?

Synonyms for the word stamp

Practice with vocabulary stamp

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To send this important document via traditional mail, you must first affix a postage ___________ to the envelope.
  2. After reviewing the contract, the legal team will ___________ it with their official approval mark.
  3. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive a certificate to ___________ their academic achievement.
  4. Please carefully ___________ the back of the check before depositing it into your account.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following items are typically required when sending a physical letter through the postal service? A) an email address B) a postage stamp C) a return address D) a tracking number

  2. What actions might a clerk take when processing an official document? A) file it B) reject it C) stamp it D) endorse it

  3. Which of these phrases convey the idea that something has an official mark of authenticity or a distinctive quality? A) bears the seal of approval B) displays a unique fingerprint C) carries the stamp of legitimacy D) shows a clear watermark

  4. Before a product can be sold internationally, it often needs to acquire several official ___________ and certifications from regulatory bodies. A) mandates B) approvals C) endorsements D) seals

  5. To effectively communicate your brand's message, it's crucial to leave a lasting ___________ on your target audience. A) impression B) impact C) sign D) mark

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager's signature on the document confirmed its official approval. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "stamp".
  2. It is essential to pay the correct postal fee for all outgoing mail. Rewrite the sentence using the word "stamp".
  3. The company's innovative approach left a distinctive mark on the industry. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "mark", without using "stamp".

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. stamp
  2. stamp
  3. validate (or certify/confirm)
  4. endorse

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) a postage stamp, C) a return address
  2. A) file it, C) stamp it, D) endorse it
  3. A) bears the seal of approval, C) carries the stamp of legitimacy, D) shows a clear watermark
  4. B) approvals, C) endorsements, D) seals
  5. A) impression, B) impact, D) mark

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager stamped the document to confirm its official approval. (or: The document bore the manager's official stamp of approval.)
  2. You must affix the correct postage stamp to all outgoing mail.
  3. The company's innovative approach left a distinctive imprint on the industry. (or: ...left a distinctive impression on the industry.)

Comment ()