What is stop? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of stop

stopverb

/stɒp/
Definition & pronunciation of stop

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "stop" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here’s a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /stɑːp/ (rhymes with "trap")

Here’s how to break it down phonetically:

  1. "st": Pronounce this as a single sound – a quick "st" sound, almost like "stuh".
  2. "o": This is a short "o" sound, like in the word "hot".
  3. "p": Pronounce this as a simple "p" sound.

Putting it all together: “Stuh-op” (think of “trap”)

Important Notes & Variations:

  • Regional Differences: You'll hear variations in pronunciation. In some parts of the UK (particularly Scotland and Northern England), you might hear /stɒp/ (rhymes with "top"). This is perfectly acceptable, just less common in American English.

  • Emphasis: The stress (where you emphasize the syllable) is on the first syllable: "stɑːp”.

Resources to help you hear it:

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

  • Where are you from (what accent are you familiar with)?

Usage and examples with the word stop in English

Let's break down how to use the word "stop" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and ways to use it! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Verb – To Cease Action

  • Basic Meaning: To end an action or movement.

    • Example: "Stop running!" (Tell someone to stop moving)
    • Example: "Stop talking!" (Tell someone to cease speaking)
    • Example: "I stopped eating." (I finished eating)

  • Stopping a Vehicle:

    • Example: “Stop the car!” (Tell the driver to halt)
    • Example: "The train stopped at the station." (The train came to a halt)

  • Stopping a Process:

    • Example: "Stop the machine!" (Instruct someone to shut down a machine)
    • Example: “Stop the bleeding.” (Take action to halt blood loss)

2. As a Verb – To Interrupt (Someone)

  • Requesting Attention:
    • Example: "Stop! Wait a minute!" (Interrupt someone who is speaking)
    • Example: "Stop him! He's going to fall." (Prevent someone from doing something)

3. As an Interjection – An Exclamation

  • Expressing Surprise, Anger, or Disagreement: (Often used with emphasis)
    • Example: "Stop! That's not true!" (Expressing disbelief)
    • Example: "Stop it!" (Expressing annoyance or disapproval – like "Cut it out!")
    • Example: “Stop! I’m leaving.” (A firm way to indicate you are departing)

4. As a Noun – A Place to Halt

  • A Rest Stop:

    • Example: "We need to stop for lunch." (Go to a place where we can eat)
    • Example: “There’s a roadside stop with a lovely view.” (A place designed for travelers to rest)

  • A Pause:

    • Example: "There was a brief stop in the conversation." (A short break in the flow of speech)

5. Phrases Using "Stop"

  • "Stop doing something": To advise someone to cease a particular action.

    • Example: "Stop bothering me!"

  • "Stop over": To briefly visit a place while traveling.

    • Example: “I’ll stop over in Chicago on my way to New York.”

  • "Stop at nothing": To do anything to achieve a goal (often negative).

    • Example: “He’ll stop at nothing to win the election.”

  • "Stop and smell the roses": To take a break and enjoy life.

    • Example: "You're working too hard. Stop and smell the roses!"

  • "Stop dead": To stop suddenly and completely.

    • Example: "She stopped dead in her tracks."

Tips for Using "Stop" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "stop" depends heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Tone of Voice: As an interjection, the tone dramatically changes the meaning (anger vs. polite request).
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Stop it!" is informal; "Please stop talking" is more formal.

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

  • What specifically are you struggling with when using "stop"? (e.g., Using it as an interjection, understanding a specific phrase, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you'd like me to analyze?

Synonyms for the word stop

Idioms of the word stop

stop at nothing
to be willing to do anything to get what you want, even if it is dishonest or wrong
  • She’ll stop at nothing to make money.
stop the clock
to stop measuring time in a game or an activity that has a time limit
    stop/halt somebody in their tracks | stop/halt/freeze in your tracks
    (figurative)to suddenly make somebody stop by frightening or surprising them; to suddenly stop because something has frightened or surprised you
    • The question stopped Alice in her tracks.
    • Suddenly he stopped dead in his tracks: what was he doing?
    • The disease was stopped in its tracks by immunization programmes.
    stop short | stop somebody short
    to suddenly stop, or make somebody suddenly stop, doing something
    • He stopped short when he heard his name.
    • ‘I’m pregnant,’ she said. That stopped him short.
    stop short of something/of doing something
    to be unwilling to do something because it may involve a risk, but to nearly do it
    • She stopped short of calling the president a liar.
    • The protest stopped short of a violent confrontation.

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