What is tongue? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of tongue

tonguenoun

/tʌŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of tongue

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "tongue" in English. It’s a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • “Tuh”: Starts with a quick, soft "t" sound. It’s almost like you're barely touching your tongue to your teeth. It's a very brief sound.
  • “Ong”: This is the part that trips people up. It’s a diphthong - meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds blending together. Specifically, it's roughly like the “ong” in "song" or “long.”
  • “Guh”: Ends with a soft "g" sound. Similar to the "g" in "go" – it’s not a hard, guttural sound.

2. Putting it Together:

So, it's roughly: “Tuh-nguh” (with a smooth transition between the two vowel sounds).

3. Tips for Accurate Pronunciation:

  • Short "t": Don’t let the "t" be a strong, clear "t." It’s almost silent.
  • Mid-mouth "ong": The sound “ong” should come from the middle of your mouth, as if you were saying "song" but shortening the "o" slightly. Your tongue should be slightly raised and relaxed.
  • Soft "g": Again, avoid a strong "g" sound. Just a gentle release of air.

4. Listen to Examples:

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

To summarize, try to mimic this rhythm and emphasis: “Tuh - nguh - guh”

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you a comparison to a similar-sounding word (like "tong"?

Usage and examples with the word tongue in English

Let's break down how to use the word "tongue" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a lot of different meanings and usages! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. The Physical Organ (Most Common)

  • Definition: The muscular organ in the mouth used for tasting, chewing, speaking, and swallowing.
  • Usage Examples:
    • "He stuck his tongue out at me." (playful gesture)
    • "I coughed, trying to clear my tongue." (physical issue)
    • "The dentist examined my tongue for sores." (medical examination)
    • "She used her tongue to clean her teeth." (grooming)

2. Figurative Meanings – Related to Speech & Communication

  • a) Speaking/Talking: This is the most common figurative use.

    • "Tongue-tied:" Unable to speak because of nervousness or embarrassment. “He was completely tongue-tied when he met the CEO.”
    • "Sharp-tongued:" Having a quick, often critical, way of speaking. "She was known for her sharp-tongued remarks."
    • "Silver-tongued:" Fluent and persuasive in speech; able to convince people easily. “The politician was praised for his silver-tongued arguments.”
    • "Loose tongue:" Speaking carelessly or revealing secrets. "Don't let your loose tongue get you into trouble."
    • "Speak with a forked tongue:" Saying one thing but meaning the opposite (lies). “He’s speaking with a forked tongue, telling us one thing and lying to everyone else.”

  • b) Expressing Emotions (Often Negative):

    • "Bitter tongue:" Speaking with bitterness or resentment. “Her bitter tongue reflected her disappointment.”
    • "Savage tongue:" Speaking with harsh or violent criticism. “He unleashed a savage tongue on the critic.”

3. Idiomatic Expressions

  • Roll your tongue: To twist your tongue around your teeth while speaking – often a test of agility. "He can really roll his tongue!"
  • Tongue-in-cheek: Said or done in a humorous or playful way, often with an implied meaning. “His comments were entirely tongue-in-cheek.”
  • Stick your tongue out: (as mentioned above) – a playful gesture.
  • Tongue-in-mouth: (often used for women) – feeling nervous, embarrassed, or hesitant. “She had a tongue-in-mouth expression when she heard the news.”

4. Less Common Uses

  • Tongue-painting: (Traditional Chinese practice) - Painting designs on the lips and tongue.
  • A tongue of fire: A burning sensation in the mouth (often associated with acid reflux).

Tips for Using "Tongue" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "tongue" depends heavily on the context in which it's used.
  • Be mindful of figurative usage: When using "tongue" metaphorically (related to speech), ensure it fits the intended meaning.
  • Consider tone: Words like “sharp,” “bitter,” and “savage” around “tongue” can dramatically change the impact of the sentence.

Could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., describing someone's speech, a physical ailment, a specific idiom?)
  • Are there any particular sentences you’re trying to write that you’d like help with?

Synonyms for the word tongue

Idioms of the word tongue

bite your tongue
to stop yourself from saying something that might upset somebody or cause an argument, although you want to speak
  • I didn't believe her explanation but I bit my tongue.
(has the) cat got your tongue?
(informal)said to somebody, especially a child, who stays silent when expected to speak, for example after being asked a question
  • What's the matter? Cat got your tongue?
find your voice/tongue
to be able to speak or express your opinion
    get your tongue around/round something
    to pronounce a difficult word correctly
    • He was having trouble getting his tongue around my name.
    have a loose tongue
    to talk too much, especially about things that are private
      hold your tongue/peace
      (old-fashioned)to say nothing although you would like to give your opinion
        loosen somebody’s tongue
        to make somebody talk more freely than usual
        • A bottle of wine had loosened Harry's tongue.
        on the tip of your tongue
        if a word or name is on the tip of your tongue, you are sure that you know it but you cannot remember it
          roll/slip/trip off the tongue
          to be easy to say or pronounce
          • It's not a name that exactly trips off the tongue, is it?
          set tongues wagging | tongues are wagging
          (informal)to cause people to start talking/people are talking about somebody’s private affairs
          • His sudden resignation set tongues wagging.
          • This is a small island and tongues are beginning to wag.
          a slip of the pen/tongue
          a small mistake in something that you write or say
          • Did I call you Richard? Sorry, Robert, just a slip of the tongue.
          • I didn't mean to say that—it was just a slip of the tongue.
          watch your mouth/tongue
          to be careful what you say in order not to offend somebody or make them angry
            with your tongue in your cheek | with tongue in cheek
            if you say something with your tongue in your cheek, you are not being serious and mean it as a joke

              Practice with vocabulary tongue

              Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

              1. For international diplomacy, mastering a foreign ______ is often a significant asset.
              2. During the heated debate, he had to bite his ______ to avoid making an inappropriate comment.
              3. The keynote speaker's ______ captivated the audience, blending humor with profound insights.
              4. Understanding regional ______ is crucial for social workers interacting with diverse communities.

              Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

              1. A person who is suddenly unable to speak due to nervousness might be described as: A. speechless B. eloquent C. tongue-tied D. articulate

              2. Which of the following is an accurate description of the "tongue" in human anatomy and function? A. The primary organ for taste. B. Crucial for articulating speech sounds. C. Involved in the swallowing process. D. The main component of the vocal cords.

              3. To prevent misunderstandings in cross-cultural negotiations, it's sometimes necessary to ______ rather than speak impulsively. A. hold your horses B. bite your tongue C. keep a poker face D. remain silent

              4. The clarity and precision of a speaker's ______ significantly impacts how well their message is received. A. inflection B. diction C. articulation D. rhythm

              5. Which of these terms refers to the distinct manner in which a group of people speaks, often associated with a particular region or social class? A. jargon B. dialect C. idiom D. accent

              Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

              1. Original: Due to extreme nervousness, he found himself unable to speak during the crucial presentation. Rewrite using "tongue":
              2. Original: Her tendency to deliver sharp, critical remarks often alienates her colleagues. Rewrite using "tongue":
              3. Original: The diplomat possessed a remarkable fluency in several foreign tongues, facilitating international relations. Rewrite without using "tongue":

              Answer:

              Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

              1. tongue
              2. tongue
              3. eloquence
              4. dialects

              Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

              1. A, C
              2. A, B, C
              3. B, D
              4. B, C
              5. B, D

              Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

              1. Rewrite: Feeling completely tongue-tied, he was unable to speak during the crucial presentation due to extreme nervousness.
              2. Rewrite: Her sharp tongue often alienates her colleagues.
              3. Rewrite: The diplomat possessed a remarkable fluency in several foreign languages, facilitating international relations.

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