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.

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