What is stripe? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of stripe

stripenoun

/strʌɪp/
Definition & pronunciation of stripe

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "stripe." It's a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /straɪp/ (rhymes with "ripe")

Let's break that down further:

  • "st": Pronounced like "st" in "stop."
  • "ri": Pronounced like "ree" as in "reed."
  • "p": Pronounced like "p" in "pen."

Here's a helpful breakdown of the sound:

  1. Start with a short "ee" sound (like in "see").
  2. Immediately transition to a "p" sound.

Tips to help you:

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  • Give you a more visual representation of the sound?
  • Compare it to a similar-sounding word?

Usage and examples with the word stripe in English

Let's break down how to use the word "stripe" in English. It has several different meanings and uses, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown categorized by how it's used:

1. Visual Patterns (Most Common)

  • Definition: A long, thin mark or band of a different color or material running along something.
  • Examples:
    • "The zebra has black and white stripes." (Animal markings)
    • "She wore a dress with a bold red stripe." (Clothing pattern)
    • "The wallpaper had a subtle blue stripe." (Design feature)
    • "The waves crashed against the shore with a white stripe foam." (Visual effect)
  • Grammatical Notes: "Stripe" is a noun.

2. As a Verb (Less Common, Usually Referring to a Mark)

  • Definition: To mark or decorate with stripes.
  • Examples:
    • "The painters striped the wall with a bright yellow paint."
    • "The tiger striped its flanks." (meaning to adorn with stripes)

3. Specific Objects

  • Stripes (clothing): A garment with stripes, particularly a long, narrow band of color.
    • "He wore a blue and white striped shirt."
  • Striped (adjective): Describing something with stripes.
    • “That’s a striped sofa.”
  • Striped fuel: (Aviation) A mixture of aviation fuel with additives to improve performance in cold weather. (A more specialized usage)

4. Figurative/Idiomatic Uses

  • "Striped" (informal, often negative): This is a slang term that can have a few meanings, but often implies someone is a conformist, someone who follows the crowd, or someone who is predictable and lacking originality. It's often used dismissively.
    • "Don't be so striped! Think for yourself." (Meaning: don't just accept everything you're told)
    • "He's just a striped guy – always does what everyone else does."

5. Other Specialized Uses

  • Stripes (military): Military ranks are often indicated by stripes on uniforms.
  • Stripes (physics): In physics, "stripes" can refer to patterns of defects in magnetic materials.

Tips for Using "Stripe" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to how the word is used in the sentence and surrounding text to understand its meaning.
  • Visualize: When you see "stripe," picture a long, thin mark or band.
  • Consider the part of speech: Is it used as a noun (a pattern/mark) or a verb (to mark)?

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "stripe"? (e.g., writing a story, describing something you saw, etc.)

Idioms of the word stripe

earn your stripes
(informal)to get a position or reputation you deserve through work or achievements
  • If you want to earn your stripes in journalism, you need to start at the bottom.
  • With elite football, you really do have to earn your stripes.

Practice with vocabulary stripe

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company's new logo features a bold blue _______ across a white background, symbolizing clarity and progress.
  2. Historically, a single red _______ on a soldier's uniform often indicated a specific rank or unit affiliation.
  3. The intricate geometric _______ on the ancient pottery suggests advanced artistic skills and cultural significance.
  4. The subtle change in _______ from crimson to burgundy at sunset created a truly breathtaking vista.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following visual elements typically involves parallel lines of contrasting color or texture? a) A solid block b) A gradient c) A checkered design d) A stripe e) A polka dot

  2. During the textile design meeting, the team debated whether to add a contrasting _______ to the sleeve cuffs or keep them plain. a) texture b) stripe c) emblem d) pleat

  3. In a professional presentation, which of these graphical elements could effectively delineate separate sections on a slide, similar to a visual boundary? a) A blurry background b) A transparent overlay c) A thick stripe d) A narrow band e) A scattered icon array

  4. The architectural firm proposed a façade incorporating a complex _______ of interlocking polygons to create a modern aesthetic. a) stain b) hue c) pattern d) dimension

  5. Establishing clear legal _______ between private property and public land is crucial for preventing disputes. a) outlines b) edges c) boundaries d) perimeters

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's sportswear often features a distinctive line of color running down the side of their athletic apparel.

    • Rewrite the sentence using the word "stripe".
  2. The government agency implemented a visual system where different security levels were indicated by shirts with various kinds of linear patterns.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a related word form of "stripe".
  3. The project manager drew a clear line in the sand regarding acceptable work quality, emphasizing that no compromises would be made.

    • Rewrite the sentence, replacing the italicized word with a suitable alternative (do not use "stripe" or its related forms).

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. stripe
  2. stripe
  3. pattern
  4. hue

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. d) stripe
  2. b) stripe
  3. c) thick stripe, d) narrow band (both are correct)
  4. c) pattern
  5. c) boundaries

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company's sportswear often features a distinctive stripe of color running down the side of their athletic apparel.
  2. The government agency implemented a visual system where different security levels were indicated by shirts with various striped designs.
  3. The project manager established a clear boundary regarding acceptable work quality, emphasizing that no compromises would be made.

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