What is stomach? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of stomach

stomachnoun

/ˈstʌmək/
Definition & pronunciation of stomach

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "stomach" in English. It can be a little tricky for non-native speakers! Here's a detailed guide:

1. Syllables:

The word "stomach" is divided into two syllables:

  • stə (like the "stuh" sound)
  • mak (like "mack")

2. Sounds:

  • “stə”: This syllable is the most challenging. It’s a sound that doesn't exist in many other languages. Here's how to make it:

    • Start with a short "uh" sound, like in "but." (Think of the vowel sound in "cut")
    • Then, slightly curl your tongue back a little bit, as if you're going to say "tuh". You want to create a nearly closed vocal tract – the back of your tongue almost touching the top of your mouth.
    • It’s not quite a "t" sound, and it’s not a full "uh" sound. It's a very subtle merging of the two.

  • “mak”: This syllable is relatively straightforward. It sounds like "mack" as in the name "Mack."

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly: “stə-mak” (emphasize each syllable)

4. Here's a simpler breakdown to help you:

Imagine you're slightly pursing your lips as you say "stuh" and then adding a quick "mack" at the end.

5. Listen to examples:

  • Google it! The best way to learn is to hear it. Search "how to pronounce stomach" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/stomach/ - Forvo is a website with pronunciations from native speakers.

Tips:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "t" sound in the first syllable. It's subtle.
  • Focus on the "stuh" quality - that slightly closed, almost pinched sound.
  • Practice slowly at first and gradually increase your speed.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a more detailed explanation of the tongue position?

Usage and examples with the word stomach in English

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

1. The Biological Stomach (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the organ in your body that digests food.
  • Examples:
    • "I've got a bad stomach ache." (Feeling sick)
    • "The stomach is responsible for breaking down food." (Scientific explanation)
    • "She has a sensitive stomach and can't eat spicy food." (A physical limitation)

2. Stomach (Figurative - Tolerance & Resilience)

This is where "stomach" gets more interesting. It refers to the ability to tolerate something unpleasant, difficult, or shocking. It’s about mental fortitude.

  • Key Phrases:

    • "To have a stomach for something": Means you can tolerate or accept something unpleasant.
    • "To stomach something": Similar to "have a stomach for it."
    • "To stomach the truth": To accept an unpleasant reality.

  • Examples:

    • "He's a journalist who can stomach tough interviews." (He can handle difficult conversations.)
    • "She has a strong stomach and can eat anything." (She’s uncomplaining when eating unusual or difficult foods).
    • “It’s hard to stomach the news about the layoffs.” (It’s difficult to accept the bad news.)
    • "I can't stomach watching violent movies." (I can't handle the graphic violence.)

3. Stomach (Figurative - Anger/Disgust)

Sometimes "stomach" is used to describe feeling deep anger or disgust. This usage is less common now than in the past.

  • Examples:
    • "He had a stomach for injustice." (He was deeply angered by unfairness.) - This is a more formal and somewhat archaic phrasing.
    • "I felt a stomach churn when I heard the story." (I felt a strong feeling of disgust or nausea).

4. Stomach (Slang - A Lot of Money/Resources)

  • Definition: (Slang) A large amount of money or resources.
  • Example:
    • "He's got a big stomach – he’s got millions in the bank." (He has a lot of money.)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Meaning Definition Example
Biological Stomach The organ that digests food "I’m feeling sick; I have a stomach ache.”
Tolerance/Resilience The ability to tolerate something unpleasant “He can stomach difficult situations.”
Anger/Disgust Deep anger or feelings of revulsion "I couldn't stomach the injustice."
Slang (Money) A large sum of money "He’s got a big stomach; he’s rich."

Tips for Using "Stomach" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine the intended meaning.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Be aware that “stomach” often has a figurative meaning related to tolerance or resilience.
  • More common: The biological definition and the figurative definition about tolerance are the most frequently used.

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to say with the word "stomach"? (e.g., Are you describing a physical feeling, or are you talking about someone's ability to handle a difficult situation?)

Synonyms for the word stomach

Idioms of the word stomach

somebody’s eyes are bigger than their stomach
used to say that somebody has been greedy by taking more food than they can eat
    have butterflies (in your stomach)
    (informal)to have a nervous feeling in your stomach before doing something
    • I had butterflies in my stomach as I went to get my exam results.
    have no stomach for something
    to not want to eat something
    • She had no stomach for the leftover stew.
    to not have the desire or courage to do something
    • They had no stomach for a fight.
    have a strong stomach
    to be able to see or do unpleasant things without feeling sick or upset
    • You need a strong stomach to go on the giant roller coaster.
    the pit of your/the stomach
    the bottom of the stomach where people say they feel strong feelings, especially fear
    • He had a sudden sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach.
    • I felt a sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach when I saw the ambulance.
    pump somebody’s stomach
    to remove the contents of somebody’s stomach using a pump, because they have swallowed something harmful
    • He had his stomach pumped after taking an overdose.
    sick to your stomach
    feeling very angry or worried
    • Nora turned sick to her stomach on hearing this news.
    • It makes me sick to my stomach to hear such stupid attitudes.
    feeling that you want to vomit
      turn your stomach
      to make you feel upset, sick or full of horror
      • Pictures of the burnt corpses turned my stomach.
      • The smell of the dead dog turned his stomach.

      Practice with vocabulary stomach

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. After eating a large meal, I often feel a slight discomfort in my __________.
      2. The medical report indicated a minor irritation of the patient's __________ lining.
      3. The surgeon made an incision in the patient's lower __________ to perform the appendectomy.
      4. Despite the challenging circumstances, her __________ for life and new experiences remained undiminished.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. Which of the following organs is primarily responsible for the initial breakdown of food using digestive enzymes and acid? A) Liver B) Pancreas C) Stomach D) Gallbladder

      2. If someone says they have "butterflies" before a big presentation, which part of their body are they most likely referring to as feeling nervous? A) Throat B) Chest C) Stomach D) Gut

      3. To improve overall digestive health, specialists often recommend a diet that is gentle on the entire __________. A) circulatory system B) respiratory tract C) digestive system D) nervous network

      4. Which of these terms can refer to the general area of the body between the chest and the pelvis? A) Thorax B) Cranium C) Abdomen D) Pelvis

      5. During a high-stakes negotiation, the CEO had to __________ his pride and accept a less favorable deal. A) swallow B) chew C) digest D) absorb

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: He found it impossible to tolerate the sight of blood during medical procedures. Rewrite using "stomach" or a related word form:
      2. Original: Before the job interview, I felt extremely nervous and apprehensive. Rewrite using "stomach" or a related word form:
      3. Original: The personal trainer advised strengthening the core muscles located in the central part of the body. Rewrite without using "stomach", but a suitable replacement word:

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. stomach
      2. stomach
      3. abdomen
      4. appetite

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. C) Stomach
      2. C) Stomach, D) Gut
      3. C) digestive system
      4. C) Abdomen
      5. A) swallow

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. He couldn't stomach the sight of blood during medical procedures.
      2. Before the job interview, I had butterflies in my stomach.
      3. The personal trainer advised strengthening the core muscles located in the body's midsection.

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