What is stroke? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of stroke

strokenoun/verb

/strəʊk/
Definition & pronunciation of stroke

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "stroke." It can be a little tricky! Here's a guide:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /strɑːk/ (rhymes with "hawk" or "talk")

    • st - as in "stop"
    • roke - rhymes with "hawk" or "talk" - this is the tricky part! The "o" sound here is a short "o" like in "hot."

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  1. Initial "str": Pronounced like the beginning of "street" or "start." Think of a crisp, clear 'str' sound.

  2. The "roke" part: This is where many people stumble.

    • The "o" is a short 'o', not a long 'o' like in "phone." It's almost like saying "rock" with an 'o' instead of an 'a'.
    • The "k" is a hard "k" sound (like in "kite").

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are some resources:

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

  • Focus on the "roke" sound: Really concentrate on making that short "o" sound in the middle.

Let me know if you'd like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly.
  • Give you some practice words that rhyme with "stroke."

Usage and examples with the word stroke in English

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

1. Physical Movement (Most Common)

  • Definition: A quick, forceful movement of the hand or arm; a swipe.
  • Examples:
    • "He gave her a comforting stroke on the arm." (Gentle touch)
    • "The artist used a quick stroke of paint to create texture." (Painting technique)
    • "She swiped the stroke of her pen across the page.” (Writing)
    • “He gave the horse a sharp stroke of the whip.” (Animal handling)

2. Medicine - Stroke (Brain Injury)

  • Definition: A sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain, leading to brain damage. This is a serious medical condition.
  • Examples:
    • "He suffered a stroke and is now recovering in the hospital."
    • "Doctors believe the stroke was caused by a blood clot."
    • “The rehabilitation process after a stroke is long and challenging.”

3. Painting & Art (Brushstrokes)

  • Definition: A single mark made with a brush or other tool in painting. This is a more specialized usage.
  • Examples:
    • "The painting is characterized by its bold strokes of color."
    • "He studied the strokes of the master painters to learn their technique."
    • “The artist used impasto – thick brush strokes – to create a textured effect.”

4. A Child’s “Stroke” (Touching/Affection)

  • Definition: A youthful, playful touch, often a pat or a light touch. Often used to describe a child.
  • Examples:
    • “The baby gave her mother a little stroke on the cheek.”
    • “He playfully stroked his dog's fur."

5. Stroke (Something Done Adequately)

  • Definition: (Informal) To do something perfectly or skillfully. Often used as a verb.
  • Examples:
    • "She stroked the guitar beautifully." (Played it well)
    • "He stroked the engine to make sure it was running smoothly." (Adjusted it properly)

6. Stroke (Words – A Remark)

  • Definition: A remark, often a cutting or critical one.
  • Examples:
    • "Her comment was a harsh stroke."
    • "He delivered a stinging stroke of criticism."

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of “stroke” depends entirely on the context in which it’s used.
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Stroke" is more formal in medical and artistic contexts. The playful "stroke" of a child's hand is very informal.
  • Verb vs. Noun: “Stroke” can be a verb (e.g., “She stroked the cat”) or a noun (e.g., “He gave her a stroke”).

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What are you trying to do with the word "stroke"? (e.g., write a story, explain something to someone, understand a sentence?)

Synonyms for the word stroke

Idioms of the word stroke

at a (single) stroke | at one stroke
with a single immediate action
  • They threatened to cancel the whole project at a stroke.
  • They lost half their fortune at a stroke.
put somebody off their stroke
(British English)to make somebody make a mistake or hesitate in what they are doing
  • My speech was going well until I was put off my stroke by an interruption.

Practice with vocabulary stroke

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. He suffered a severe _______ that affected his speech and mobility, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
  2. The subtle _______ of the brush brought the detailed landscape to life on the canvas.
  3. The patient experienced a sudden cardiac _______ and lost consciousness, necessitating immediate medical intervention.
  4. The architect presented a preliminary _______ of the building design, focusing on its spatial arrangement and flow.

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

  1. Which of these are common signs that someone might be experiencing a stroke? a) Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body. b) Slurred speech or difficulty understanding others. c) A gradual onset of a mild headache. d) Temporary vision loss in one eye.

  2. Which of the following best describes the use of 'stroke' in the phrase 'a stroke of luck'? a) A deliberate and planned action. b) An unexpected and fortunate event. c) A gentle physical touch. d) A medical condition.

  3. In sports like swimming or golf, a 'stroke' refers to: a) The overall duration of the activity. b) A specific, repeated movement to propel or hit. c) The final score or result. d) A strategy or game plan.

  4. The patient experienced a sudden _______ characterized by convulsions and loss of consciousness. a) episode b) seizure c) attack d) faint

  5. Which word refers to a quick, light drawing that serves as a preliminary study? a) sketch b) draft c) rendering d) illustration

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The medical team confirmed that the sudden neurological event was caused by a cerebral blockage. (Rewrite the sentence using "stroke" or a related word form.)

  2. The manager's decision to invest in new technology was a truly inspired move that transformed the company's prospects. (Rewrite the sentence using "stroke" or a related word form.)

  3. The unexpected and unfortunate incident completely derailed our plans for the project. (Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "incident" but do not use "stroke".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. stroke
  2. stroke
  3. arrest
  4. sketch

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of the body. b) Slurred speech or difficulty understanding others. d) Temporary vision loss in one eye.
  2. b) An unexpected and fortunate event.
  3. b) A specific, repeated movement to propel or hit.
  4. b) seizure c) attack
  5. a) sketch

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The medical team confirmed that the patient had suffered a cerebral stroke due to a blockage.
  2. The manager's decision to invest in new technology was a real stroke of genius that transformed the company's prospects.
  3. The unexpected and unfortunate setback completely derailed our plans for the project.

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