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

Practice with vocabulary tunic

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During excavations, archaeologists unearthed several ancient ____________ fragments, providing insights into Roman everyday wear.
  2. The healthcare assistant quickly changed into her clean, white ____________ before starting her shift in the pediatric ward.
  3. For the formal dinner, he opted for a crisp, tailored ____________ and a dark tie, completing his elegant ensemble.
  4. The newly enacted dress code requires all employees to wear appropriate professional ____________ when interacting with clients.

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

  1. Which of the following terms can describe a loose-fitting upper garment, often extending to the hips or knees, worn by various cultures throughout history? a) Jacket b) Vest c) Tunic d) Cardigan

  2. In historical contexts, which items were commonly worn as primary outer garments, especially by various cultures like the Romans or medieval Europeans? a) Jeans b) Tunic c) Cloak d) Gown

  3. Select the item(s) that might be part of a professional uniform in fields like healthcare, beauty, or culinary arts due to their practicality and ease of movement. a) Scarf b) Tunic c) Apron d) High heels

  4. Which of these is typically a formal or semi-formal top for women, often featuring decorative elements like ruffles or embroidery? a) Sweater b) Hoodie c) Blouse d) Tank top

  5. What word describes a long, loose outer garment, often associated with ceremonies, religious figures, or simply for lounging comfortably at home? a) Shirt b) Robe c) Pullover d) Jerkin

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Ancient citizens of Rome commonly wore simple, knee-length garments for their daily activities. Rewrite (using "tunic" or related word forms):
  2. Original: The medical staff on duty were identified by their standard, short-sleeved blue tops. Rewrite (using "tunic" or related word forms):
  3. Original: Before starting her art project, the student put on a protective cover-up to keep her clothes clean from paint. Rewrite (using a suitable replacement word, not "tunic"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. tunic
  2. tunic
  3. shirt
  4. attire

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Tunic
  2. b) Tunic, c) Cloak, d) Gown
  3. b) Tunic, c) Apron
  4. c) Blouse
  5. b) Robe

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The simple, knee-length tunic was a common garment for ancient Roman citizens in their daily activities.
  2. The medical staff on duty were identified by their standard, short-sleeved blue tunics.
  3. Before starting her art project, the student put on a protective smock to keep her clothes clean from paint.

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