What is tablet? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of tablet

tabletnoun

/ˈtablɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of tablet

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "tablet" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic spellings and tips:

The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /ˈteɪ.blɪt/

  • How it sounds: "Tay-blitt"

    • "Tay": Like the word "day"
    • "blitt": This is the tricky part. Think of it as saying "blight" but with a shorter, softer "i" sound. It’s almost like you’re swallowing the "t" sound a little.

The Pronunciation in British English:

  • IPA: /ˈtæ.blɪt/

  • How it sounds: "Tah-blitt"

    • "Tah": Like the word "father"
    • "blitt": Very similar to the American pronunciation - a soft "blight" sound.

Key Differences & Tips:

  • The "a" sound: The main difference is the vowel sound at the beginning. American English uses a broader "ah" sound ("tay"), while British English uses a shorter, tighter "ah" sound ("Tah").
  • The "t" at the end: Both pronunciations soften the final "t" sound, making it almost silent. This is a common feature of many British pronunciations.

Resources to hear it:

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

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) - This will help me guide you toward the more common pronunciation in your region.

Usage and examples with the word tablet in English

Let's break down how to use the word "tablet" in English. It has a few different meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown:

1. A Digital Tablet (Most Common Today)

  • What it is: This is the most common meaning today. It refers to a portable, flat touchscreen device, similar to a smartphone but typically larger and designed for more extended use (like reading, drawing, or browsing).
  • Examples:
    • "I use my tablet to read ebooks."
    • "She takes her tablet everywhere – it’s her primary entertainment device."
    • "He's learning to draw on his new tablet."
    • "The company launched a new line of premium tablets."
  • Synonyms: slate, pad, handheld computer, digital reader

2. A Traditional Tablet (Medicinal)

  • What it is: This is an older meaning and refers to a small, compressed dose of medicine, usually taken orally. It's often a solid form of medication (like a pill or capsule).
  • Examples:
    • "He took a tablet of aspirin to relieve the pain."
    • "The pharmacist gave me a tablet to take three times a day."
    • "She carried a small box of tablets for her cold."
  • Synonyms: pill, capsule, dose, medicine (in this context)

3. A Tablet (Historical – for writing)

  • What it is: Historically, a “tablet” referred to a flat stone or piece of wood used for writing on, especially in ancient times. Think of the story of the Rosetta Stone.
  • Examples:
    • "The archaeologist discovered clay tablets containing ancient cuneiform writings."
    • "The scribe carefully inscribed the laws on a limestone tablet."
  • Synonyms: stone, slab, slate, block

Here's a table to summarize:

Meaning Definition Examples
Digital Tablet Portable touchscreen device "I use my tablet to read."
Medicinal Tablet Solid dose of medicine "He took a tablet of aspirin."
Historical Tablet Stone/slab for writing on "The archaeologist found clay tablets."

Tips for Using "Tablet" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Always pay attention to the surrounding words to determine which meaning is intended.
  • Be Specific: If you’re talking about a digital device, using "tablet" is perfectly fine. If you’re talking about medicine, “pill” or “capsule” might be more common.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "tablet" in a particular context?
  • Help you understand how to differentiate between the different meanings?

Synonyms for the word tablet

Practice with vocabulary tablet

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many professionals now prefer using a portable _______ for presentations and quick note-taking during meetings.
  2. For heavy-duty data analysis and programming, a powerful _______ is generally more suitable than a smaller, less robust device.
  3. Students often find a _______ invaluable for accessing digital textbooks and educational apps on the go.
  4. Before purchasing any new electronic _______, it's advisable to compare specifications and read user reviews.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a compact, flat mobile computing device with a touchscreen interface, typically larger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop? A) desktop computer B) mainframe C) tablet D) smartwatch

  2. For reading e-books and browsing the web while commuting, which of these devices would be most convenient? (Select all that apply) A) an e-reader B) a desktop PC C) a tablet D) a smartphone

  3. In a medical setting, which device is commonly used by doctors for quick access to patient records and medical databases during rounds? A) a microscope B) a tablet C) a stethoscope D) a traditional clipboard

  4. Which term best describes any small, often innovative, electronic equipment designed for specific tasks, such as a smart speaker or a fitness tracker? A) appliance B) gadget C) utensil D) instrument

  5. To ensure optimal visibility, especially in bright sunlight, it's crucial to consider the brightness and anti-glare properties of a device's _______. A) keyboard B) casing C) display D) port

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original sentence: The sales representative found a small, portable computer with a touchscreen indispensable for demonstrating products to clients on site. Rewrite using "tablet": The sales representative found a _______ indispensable for demonstrating products to clients on site.

  2. Original sentence: Many people prefer using their larger touchscreen devices for watching movies and playing games during long trips. Rewrite using "tablets": Many people prefer using their _______ for watching movies and playing games during long trips.

  3. Original sentence: Her new tablet offered impressive battery life, allowing her to work for hours without needing to recharge. Rewrite (do not use "tablet"): Her new _______ offered impressive battery life, allowing her to work for hours without needing to recharge.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. tablet
  2. laptop
  3. tablet
  4. device

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) tablet
  2. A) an e-reader, C) a tablet, D) a smartphone
  3. B) a tablet
  4. B) gadget
  5. C) display

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The sales representative found a tablet indispensable for demonstrating products to clients on site.
  2. Many people prefer using their tablets for watching movies and playing games during long trips.
  3. Her new device offered impressive battery life, allowing her to work for hours without needing to recharge.

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