What is tunic? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of tunic

tunicnoun

/ˈtjuːnɪk/
Definition & pronunciation of tunic

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "tunic" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and both are acceptable!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈtʌnɪk (stress on the first syllable)
    • ˈtʌn - like the word "tune"
    • ɪk - like the "ick" in "thick"

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • ˈtjuːnɪk (stress on the first syllable)
    • ˈtjuː - like the word "you"
    • nɪk - like the "ick" in "thick"

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • t - as in "top"
  • u - as in "put"
  • n - as in "now"
  • i - as in "machine"

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

Which one should you use?

  • If you're primarily speaking with Americans, the ˈtʌnɪk pronunciation is generally more common.
  • If you're speaking with British English speakers, the ˈtjuːnɪk pronunciation is the usual one.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using "tunic"?

Usage and examples with the word tunic in English

Let's break down how to use the word "tunic" in English. It has multiple meanings, so understanding the context is key!

1. Clothing – The Traditional Meaning (Long, Loose-Fitting Shirt)

  • Definition: This is the most common and classic meaning. A tunic is a sleeveless or nearly sleeveless garment, typically long, loose-fitting, and worn over the shoulders. It's often made of linen or cotton.
  • Historical Context: Tunic-like garments were extremely common in ancient civilizations like Rome, Greece, and many pre-European cultures. They were worn by both men and women.
  • Modern Usage:
    • Historical Reenactment/Costumes: You’ll see tunics used in historical reenactments, Renaissance fairs, and costume parties.
    • Bohemian/Flowing Styles: Sometimes, tunics are worn as a fashionable top – a long, flowing shirt that’s often paired with leggings or jeans. It’s a slightly more relaxed, earthy style.
    • Examples:
      • “The Roman soldier wore a simple brown tunic.”
      • “She bought a linen tunic to wear at the Renaissance festival.”
      • “He wore a flowing cotton tunic and sandals.”

2. Animal – A Small Rodent

  • Definition: “Tunic” can also refer to a small, nocturnal rodent related to mice and voles. They’re found in Europe and Asia. They’re known for their large, distinctive ears and their habit of living in underground burrows.
  • Appearance: They are typically a brown or grayish color.
  • Examples:
    • “We saw a tunic dart across the lawn in the moonlight.”
    • “The farmer set traps to catch the tunic that was damaging his vegetable garden.”

3. (Figurative) A Covering or Layer

  • Definition: Less commonly, "tunic" can be used metaphorically to describe a protective or covering layer, not necessarily clothing.
  • Examples:
    • “The silence of the room formed a sort of tunic around them.” (Meaning a layer of quiet or tension)
    • “A thick layer of snow formed a tunic over the forest.” (Meaning a covering)

Here’s a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Definition Example
Clothing Long, loose-fitting shirt “He wore a linen tunic.”
Animal Small rodent with large ears “We saw a tunic darting across the field.”
Figurative Protective covering/layer “The silence formed a tunic around us.”

Tips for Using “Tunic” Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: Pay close attention to the surrounding words to determine if the word refers to clothing or an animal.
  • Be specific: If you're talking about clothing, you might need to add more detail (e.g., "a Roman tunic," "a flowing cotton tunic").

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "tunic"? (e.g., are you writing a story, giving a presentation, having a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word tunic

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