What is street? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of street

streetnoun

/striːt/
Definition & pronunciation of street

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "street" in English. It's a tricky one because it's a common source of mispronunciation! Here's a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

/striːt/ (pronounced "street")

Let's break that down into syllables:

  • st - sounds like "st" in "stop" (short "uh" sound)
  • reet - sounds like "reet" (rhymes with "beet" but with a shorter "ee" sound)

Here's a more detailed explanation and tips:

  1. The "ee" Sound: The key is to avoid making it sound like “street” with a long “ee” sound like in “meet.” It’s a shorter, sharper "ee" sound. Think of it as if you're saying "street" quickly.

  2. The "t" sound: Don’t drop the “t” at the end. It's a clear and pronounced “t.”

  3. Linking: The “t” at the end often blends into the “r” sound. This is a common feature of American English pronunciation. You’ll almost hear the “t” fading away.

Here are some ways to practice:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear it. You can:

    • Search for "how to pronounce street" on YouTube. You'll find many videos of native speakers saying the word.
    • Use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary, which often have audio pronunciations: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/street
    • Listen to English music, podcasts, or TV shows.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "street" and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

  • Speak slowly: When you're first learning, slow down and focus on getting the individual sounds right.

Common Mispronunciations and Why They're Wrong:

  • "strit" - This is a very common mistake. It’s incorrectly adding an extra syllable.
  • Long "ee" sound: As mentioned above, this is a major error.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you an example sentence using "street"?
  • Compare the pronunciation to a similar-sounding word (like "treat")?

Usage and examples with the word street in English

Let's break down how to use the word "street" in English. It has several different meanings and usages! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Literal Meaning: A Physical Road

  • Definition: The most basic meaning – a paved road in a town or city where vehicles and pedestrians travel.
  • Examples:
    • "We walked down Main Street." (Identifying a specific street)
    • "The bus stops on Oak Street." (Describing a location)
    • “He parked his car on the street.”

2. Figurative Meanings (Referring to Culture & Lifestyle)

  • Street Style/Fashion: This is a very common usage now, referring to the distinctive clothing and attitude of people in urban areas, often associated with hip-hop culture, skateboarding, and a rebellious aesthetic.
    • "He's rocking some serious street fashion." (Meaning cool, urban clothing)
    • "She has a streetwise attitude." (Meaning practical, resourceful, and aware of the realities of life)
  • Street Culture: A broader term encompassing the music, art, dance, and lifestyle of urban communities – often rooted in hip-hop.
    • “They’re involved in street art.”
    • “He’s a prominent figure in street music.”
  • Street Smart: Being shrewd, knowledgeable, and cautious in urban environments – knowing how to navigate the challenges and dangers of city life.
    • "She's a real street smart girl." (Means she’s clever and good at handling difficult situations.)

3. Phrasal Verbs with "Street"

  • Hit the street: To go out to experience the city or to start working as a performer (often a musician or artist).
    • "After graduation, he decided to hit the streets and try to make it as a singer."
  • Down the street: Near by.
    • "The library is down the street from my house."
  • Take to the streets: To begin a protest or demonstration.
    • “The protesters took to the streets to demand change.”

4. Other Uses

  • Street Vendor: Someone who sells goods from a stall or cart on the street.
    • "I bought a hot dog from a street vendor."
  • Street Corner: The intersection of two streets.
    • "We met at the street corner."
  • Street Name: A name given to a street.
    • "There’s a new restaurant on Elm Street."

Tips for Using "Street" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “street” shifts significantly depending on the context.
  • Be Aware of Slang: “Street” is frequently used in slang, so pay attention to how it’s being used in conversation.
  • Formal vs. Informal: Using "street style" or "street smart" is more common in informal speech and writing.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What is the context you're thinking about when you want to use the word "street"? (e.g., writing a story, talking to friends, describing a place, etc.)

Synonyms for the word street

Idioms of the word street

the man (and/or woman) in the street
an average or ordinary person, either male or female
  • Politicians often don't understand the views of the man in the street.
  • What really matters to the man and woman in the street?
on easy street
(old-fashioned, informal)enjoying a comfortable way of life with plenty of money
    (out) on/onto the streets/street
    (informal)without a home; outside, not in a house or other building
    • the problems of young people living on the streets
    • If it had been left to me I would have put him out on the street long ago.
    • She was thrown onto the street.
    on/walking the streets
    working as a prostitute
      streets ahead (of somebody/something)
      (British English, informal)much better or more advanced than somebody/something else
      • a country that is streets ahead in the control of environmental pollution
      • Beth is streets ahead of all the other students in her year.
      the streets are paved with gold
      (saying)used to say that it seems easy to make money in a place
        (right) up your street
        (informal)very suitable for you because it is something that you know a lot about or are very interested in
        • This job seems right up your street.

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