What is statue? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of statue

statuenoun

/ˈstatʃuː/
Definition & pronunciation of statue

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "statue" in English. It's a common stumbling block for non-native speakers!

Here's the most common and accepted pronunciation:

ˈstætʃuː

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • st - pronounced like the "st" in "stop" (short vowel)
  • a - pronounced like the "a" in "father" (long vowel, held slightly longer)
  • t - pronounced like the "t" in "top" (short vowel)
  • u - pronounced like the "oo" in "moon" (long vowel, held slightly longer)
  • e - pronounced like the "e" in "bed" (short vowel)

Key Points:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("stat-"). This is crucial!
  • "ch" sound: The "a" sound before the "t" is a tricky one. It's pronounced like the "ch" in "church" (but a softer, more relaxed "ch"). Many people find this the hardest part.
  • Long vowels: The "a" and "u" sounds are held slightly longer than their short counterparts.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Translate: Type "statue" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/statue/ – Here you'll hear multiple native speakers pronounce the word.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce statue" on YouTube - you'll find many helpful videos.

To help me tailor my explanation, would you like me to:

  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (like the "ch" sound)?
  • Give you a practice sentence to say it in?

Usage and examples with the word statue in English

Let's break down how to use the word "statue" in English. It's a pretty versatile word, but it's important to understand how it's used correctly.

1. Basic Definition:

  • A statue is a carved or molded figure of a person or animal, often made of stone, bronze, or other durable materials, and erected as a memorial or to honor someone or something.

2. Common Ways to Use "Statue":

  • Describing a specific statue: "The statue of Liberty is a famous symbol of freedom." "I saw a beautiful statue of a Greek goddess in the museum."
  • Referring to a collection of statues: "The park has a collection of Roman statues."
  • Talking about the act of creating a statue: "The sculptor was working on a new statue for the town square." "He's specializing in creating statues from marble."
  • Figurative Use (Less Common): Sometimes "statue" is used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is rigid, unfeeling, or unchanging. Example: "He became a statue of indifference after the bad news." (This is a more literary usage.)

3. Grammatical Points:

  • Plural: The plural of "statue" is statues. "There were many statues in the garden."
  • Articles:
    • A/An statue: Use "a" or "an" before the first statue you mention. "I saw a statue of a lion."
    • The statue: Use "the" when referring to a specific statue that has already been mentioned or is clearly identified. “The statue in the hall is particularly impressive.”
  • Prepositions:
    • Of a statue: "The statue of Abraham Lincoln."
    • With a statue: "She decorated the garden with statues." (More than one)

4. Examples in Sentences:

  • "The museum houses a remarkable collection of Ancient Egyptian statues."
  • “She commissioned a statue of her dog to commemorate his loyalty.”
  • "The town was known for its many stone statues of historical figures."
  • “The sheer size of the statue was overwhelming.”
  • “Don’t touch the statue – it’s fragile.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word statue

Practice with vocabulary statue

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The newly restored bronze ______ of the national hero now gleams in the city park.
  2. During the Renaissance, artists dedicated years to crafting intricate ______ that told stories through form.
  3. Visitors often stop to admire the majestic ______ of David by Michelangelo in Florence.
  4. The architect proposed a towering ______ as a central point for the new urban development, symbolizing unity.

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

  1. Which of the following best describes a three-dimensional representation of a person or animal, typically made of stone, metal, or wood, and often displayed in public places or museums? a) painting b) tapestry c) statue d) drawing e) mural

  2. A significant public art piece or memorial in a city square designed to commemorate an event or individual might be referred to as a: a) monument b) bust c) sculpture d) relief e) statue

  3. If an artist is commissioned to create a standing human figure of considerable size for a park, what might they be making? a) a portrait b) a figurine c) a statue d) an etching e) an installation

  4. Which of these terms specifically refers to a small, often decorative, ornamental figure, typically mass-produced or collectible? a) colossal artwork b) edifice c) figurine d) bust e) obelisk

  5. Which of the following art forms primarily involves creating images on a flat surface using colors, often on canvas or board? a) carving b) pottery c) painting d) mosaic e) assemblage

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The artist crafted a life-sized figure of the ancient queen for the museum exhibition, garnering much acclaim. Rewrite using "statue":

  2. Many ancient civilizations created impressive three-dimensional artworks to honor their gods and leaders, showcasing their skilled craftsmanship. Rewrite using "statue" or related word forms:

  3. The public art piece in the main plaza, dedicated last year, commemorates the city's founding and historical figures. Rewrite without using "statue" or any of its word forms, using a suitable replacement:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. statue
  2. sculptures
  3. statue
  4. monument

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) statue
  2. a) monument, c) sculpture, e) statue
  3. c) statue
  4. c) figurine
  5. c) painting

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The artist crafted a life-sized statue of the ancient queen for the museum exhibition, garnering much acclaim.
  2. Many ancient civilizations created impressive statues to honor their gods and leaders, showcasing their skilled craftsmanship.
  3. The public sculpture in the main plaza, dedicated last year, commemorates the city's founding and historical figures.

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