What is strip? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of strip

stripverb

/strɪp/
Definition & pronunciation of strip

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "strip" in English. There are a couple of common ways to say it, and they both sound pretty good!

Option 1 (More Common in American English):

  • ˈstrɪp
    • ˈstr – This part sounds like "street" but shorter. The emphasis is on this syllable.
    • ɪp – This is a short, quick "ip" sound, like the "ip" in "tip."

Option 2 (More Common in British English):

  • straɪp
    • stra – Sounds like "straw" but with a short 'a' sound.
    • ip – Again, a short, quick "ip" sound.

Here’s a breakdown to help you:

  • Stress: The emphasis (stress) is on the first syllable ("str").
  • Vowel Sound: The "i" sound is a short "i" as in "bit." Don't say "ee" like in "feet."
  • Smooth Transition: The “rip” part needs to flow smoothly into the “ip.”

Resources to Listen:

To help me tailor the pronunciation even further, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) – This will help me offer the most common pronunciation for your region.

Usage and examples with the word strip in English

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

1. Removing Layers (Physical Removal):

  • Definition: To remove something by pulling it away layer by layer.
  • Examples:
    • "He stripped the paint off the wall." (Removed the paint in sections)
    • "She stripped off her clothes and jumped into the pool." (Removed her clothing)
    • "The mechanic stripped the engine to examine it." (Removed parts of the engine)
    • "The wind stripped the leaves from the trees." (Removed the leaves)

2. Removing Clothing (Specifically):

  • Definition: To intentionally remove one's clothing. This is often considered a somewhat suggestive term.
  • Examples:
    • "He stripped down to his underwear." (Removed his clothes quickly)
    • "She stripped nervously before the interview." (Removed her clothing with anxiety)
    • Note: Be mindful of the context! This usage can be considered informal or even potentially inappropriate in formal settings.

3. Removing a Covering/Surface:

  • Definition: To remove a covering, leaving only the underlying surface exposed.
  • Examples:
    • "The rain stripped the earth bare." (Exposed the soil after washing away topsoil)
    • "The sand stripped away, revealing layers of rock." (Removed the sand to show the rocks underneath)
    • "The factory stripped the car of its parts for recycling." (Removed all components)

4. Reducing to the Essentials (Figurative):

  • Definition: To reduce something to its most basic elements or form; to eliminate details.
  • Examples:
    • "The artist stripped the painting down to its essential colors." (Simplified the colors)
    • "The report stripped away all the unnecessary jargon." (Removed the complicated language)
    • “He stripped the project down to its core components.” (Reduced it to the most important parts)

5. A Strip (Noun):

  • Definition: A long, narrow strip of material.
  • Examples:
    • "She wore a velvet strip around her wrist."
    • "Cut a strip of bacon."
    • "The jeweler used a strip of gold to create the bracelet."

6. Strip (Verb - Informal/Slang - Amusement Park Ride):

  • Definition: (Specifically in amusement parks) A ride that involves being swung back and forth, often dangling by your lap or a harness.
  • Example: "We went on the strip at the fair."

Key Considerations:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "strip" depends heavily on how it’s used in a sentence. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Formality: Using "stripped" to remove clothing is generally informal. In formal writing, you might say “removed” or “took off.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you trying to use "strip" in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re working on?

Synonyms for the word strip

Idioms of the word strip

tear somebody off a strip | tear a strip off somebody
(British English, informal)to speak angrily to somebody who has done something wrong

    Practice with vocabulary strip

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The regulatory body has the authority to ____ an organization of its operating license if serious misconduct is proven.
    2. Technicians need to ____ down the old server to salvage usable components.
    3. The artist used a fine brush to carefully ____ the delicate layers of gold leaf onto the canvas.
    4. Before starting the renovation, they had to ____ the old wallpaper from the living room walls.

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

    1. Which of the following actions might involve the use of the word "strip" in its various forms? a) Removing old paint from furniture using a chemical. b) Applying a new coat of protective varnish. c) Cutting fabric into long, narrow pieces. d) Disassembling an engine for inspection and repair.

    2. The committee decided to ____ the senator of her committee leadership role due to the ethical violations. a) divest b) bereave c) deprive d) relieve

    3. Which of these could be described as a "strip" in a geographical or physical sense? a) A wide, expansive valley. b) A narrow band of land along a coast. c) A vast, undulating desert plain. d) A long, thin piece of bacon.

    4. Before the final assembly, the manufacturer must ____ each component for defects. a) inspect b) scrutinize c) examine d) appraise

    5. To prepare the antique wooden chest for restoration, the first step was to ____ it of its old, faded varnish. a) bare b) uncover c) denude d) strip

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The workers took off the old wallpaper carefully. (Rewrite using a form of "strip")

    2. Due to the budget cuts, the department lost some of its funding and essential resources. (Rewrite using a form of "strip")

    3. The chef meticulously removed the skin from the fish before grilling it. (Rewrite, but do not use "strip" or its forms; use a suitable replacement word)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. strip
    2. strip
    3. apply
    4. peel

    Exercise 2:

    1. a, c, d
    2. a, c, d
    3. b, d
    4. a, b, c, d
    5. c, d

    Exercise 3:

    1. The workers carefully stripped the old wallpaper.
    2. The budget cuts stripped the department of some of its funding and essential resources.
    3. The chef meticulously skinned the fish before grilling it.

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