What is strange? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of strange

strangeadjective

/streɪn(d)ʒ/
Definition & pronunciation of strange

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

1. Phonetic Transcription (for accuracy):

The most accurate phonetic representation is: /ˈstræŋ/ (This is how it looks in the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA)

2. Breaking it Down:

  • "str": This sounds like the "str" in "street" or "stress." It's a short, sharp sound.
  • "ang": This is the tricky part! It's not like the "an" in "fan." Instead, it's a diphthong – a blended sound that starts with a short "a" sound (like in "hat") and smoothly moves towards an "ng" sound.
    • Think of it like saying "aang" quickly, with the "a" and "ng" melding together.

3. How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with the "str" sound: "Str..."
  2. Blend in the "ang" sound: "Str-aang" (emphasize the smooth transition between the "a" and the "ng")

4. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t say “ahnng”: Many people mistakenly pronounce it like "ahnng," which isn't quite right. It’s the smooth blend of the vowel and the “ng” that matters.
  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("strange"). Make sure you’re giving it slightly more emphasis.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear native speakers say it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Say "strange" into Google Translate and listen to the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/strange/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce strange” on YouTube and listen to various pronunciations.

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

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • What's your first language? (This can sometimes affect pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word strange in English

Let's break down how to use the word "strange" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Basic Meaning: Unusual or Odd

  • Core Usage: This is the most common meaning. "Strange" describes something that deviates from the normal, expected, or familiar.

    • Example: "It was strange to see a penguin in the desert." (Not normal)
    • Example: "He had a strange habit of talking to himself." (Odd behavior)
    • Example: "The weather was strange – warm for December." (Unusual weather)

2. Expressing Surprise or Confusion

  • Often used with "I" or "You": When you find something bewildering, baffling, or surprising, "strange" can express that feeling.

    • Example: "I found it strange that he didn't call me back." (Expressing surprise and a little confusion)
    • Example: "It was strange to me how quickly she learned the new language." (Showing bewilderment)

3. Describing People (More Informal)

  • Can mean a bit eccentric or unusual in personality: This usage is more informal and often carries a slightly positive or neutral connotation.

    • Example: "He's a really strange guy, but he's got a good heart." (Unconventional, but ultimately likable)
    • Example: "She has a strange sense of humor." (Unique and perhaps quirky)

4. Describing Experiences (Often with "feeling"):

  • Expressing a peculiar or unsettling feeling: "Strange" paired with “feeling” adds a layer of emotional description.

    • Example: “I had a strange feeling that something bad was going to happen.” (A sense of unease)
    • Example: “There was a strange feeling in the room – a sense of tension.”

5. Figurative Language (Less Common, More Literary)

  • "Strange bedfellows": This idiom refers to people or groups who are unlikely allies or partners.
    • Example: "The politician and the activist formed a strange bedfellows to fight corruption."

Important Notes & Related Words

  • Synonyms: "Strange" has many synonyms, depending on the context: unusual, odd, peculiar, bizarre, strange, freakish, unusual, weird, eccentric, unfamiliar.
  • "Weird" vs. "Strange": "Weird" is often more informal and can sometimes imply something disturbing or frightening. "Strange" is generally more neutral. However, the words are often used interchangeably.
  • "Strangeness": This is the noun form (the state or quality of being strange).
    • Example: "There was a strangeness about the old house."

Let's Practice!

Here are a few sentences for you to try:

  1. “I found the movie to be quite _____, with its bizarre plot twists.” (Possible answers: strange, weird, peculiar)
  2. “She had a ____ smile that made people feel uncomfortable.” (Possible answers: strange, weird, unusual)
  3. “It was ____ to hear that animals could now be trained to play musical instruments.” (Possible answers: strange, odd, unusual)

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

  • What specifically are you trying to use "strange" for? (e.g., writing a story, describing something you saw, etc.)

Synonyms for the word strange

Idioms of the word strange

feel strange
to not feel comfortable in a situation; to have an unpleasant physical feeling
  • She felt strange sitting at her father's desk.
  • It was terribly hot and I started to feel strange.
funny strange/weird
(informal)used to show that ‘funny’ is being used with the meaning of ‘strange’
    truth is stranger than fiction
    (saying)used to say that things that actually happen are often more surprising than stories that are invented

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