What is wrap? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of wrap

wrapverb

/rap/
Definition & pronunciation of wrap

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "wrap" in English. There are two main ways it's pronounced, and they differ slightly depending on where you are (American vs. British English).

1. American English (Most Common):

  • Pronunciation: /ræp/ (rhymes with "trap")
  • Breakdown:
    • "r" sound: The "r" is pronounced, but it's a quick, light "r" – not a rolled "r" like in Spanish.
    • "a" sound: A short "a" sound, like in "cat".
    • "p" sound: A clear "p" sound.

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: /rɑːp/ (rhymes with "rap")
  • Breakdown:
    • "r" sound: The “r” is a full, trilled “r”, similar to the French ‘r.’ This is the key difference.
    • "a" sound: A broader "a" sound, more like the "a" in "father."
    • "p" sound: A clear “p” sound.

Here's a helpful way to hear the difference:

To summarize:

  • If you're in the US, say /ræp/.
  • If you're in the UK (or in many other non-US English speaking regions), say /rɑːp/.

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

  • Where are you learning English? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word wrap in English

Let's break down how to use the word "wrap" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with lots of different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Wrapping (as in, covering something):

  • Basic Meaning: To cover something completely with paper, cloth, or something similar.

    • Example: "I need to wrap the present in colorful paper."
    • Example: "She wrapped her arms around herself for warmth."
    • Example: "Please wrap the dish carefully before transporting it."

  • Phrases:

    • Wrap up: To finish something quickly. “Let’s wrap up this meeting.”
    • Wrap something around: “He wrapped the rope around the tree.”
    • Wrapped in: “She was wrapped in a cozy blanket.”

2. Wrapping (as in, a turn/circular motion):

  • Movement: To move around in a circular path.

    • Example: "The snake began to wrap around the branch."
    • Example: "The dancer wrapped her arms around herself in a spinning pose."

  • Wrapping a wound: To apply a bandage around a wound.

    • Example: "The nurse wrapped a bandage around his injured finger."

3. Wrapping (as in, a meal/dish):

  • Food: Referring to a dish that's wrapped in dough, pastry, or other material.
    • Example: “I ordered a delicious spinach and feta wrap.” (This is a common type of sandwich)
    • Example: "She made a wrap filled with chicken and vegetables.”
    • Example: "A classic wrap is a burrito.”

4. Wrapping (as in, to enclose or bundle):

  • Bundling: To enclose or bundle something together.
    • Example: “He wrapped the documents in bubble wrap for protection.”
    • Example: “The seller wrapped the gift carefully.”

5. Wrapping (as in, a 'wrap' – a type of film/scene):

  • Film/Television: This is a specific technical term. A "wrap" refers to the end of filming a scene or a movie, and the associated celebration (often with food and drinks).
    • Example: “We officially wrapped the scene after five takes.”
    • Example: “The cast and crew celebrated a wrap party after filming.”

6. Wrap around (a more idiomatic use):

  • To accommodate or deal with something: Often used when something unexpected or complex arises.
    • Example: "I don't know how I'm going to finish this project – it's going to wrap around my entire schedule."
    • Example: "The disagreement wrapped around to the core of the problem."

Tips for Using "Wrap":

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "wrap" always depends on the context of the sentence.
  • Prepositions: "Wrap something around" or "wrap something in" are common constructions.
  • Verb vs. Noun: “Wrap” can be a verb (doing the action of covering) or a noun (the material used to cover – e.g., “wrapping paper”).

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

  • What are you trying to use "wrap" in? (e.g., are you writing a story, describing a process, talking about food, etc.?)

Synonyms for the word wrap

Idioms of the word wrap

be wrapped up in somebody/something
to be so involved with somebody/something that you do not pay enough attention to other people or things
  • They are completely wrapped up in their children.
  • She was so wrapped up in her work that she didn’t realize how late it was.
wrap/twist/wind somebody around your little finger
(informal)to persuade somebody to do anything that you want
  • She has always been able to wrap her parents around her little finger.

Practice with vocabulary wrap

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Before sending, please carefully _____ the delicate antique vase in protective foam.
  2. A thick layer of dust began to _____ the old books left untouched on the shelf.
  3. Let's try to _____ up this discussion within the next fifteen minutes so we can move on to the next agenda item.
  4. The legal documents were _____ in a sealed envelope and sent via registered mail.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following verbs can be used to describe the act of enclosing an object in paper or fabric? a) Unfold b) Wrap c) Cover d) Reveal e) Detach

  2. The project manager aims to _____ the current phase of development by the end of next week. a) Prolong b) Initiate c) Wrap up d) Suspend e) Postpone

  3. The newly designed prototype will be officially _____ to the stakeholders next month. a) Concealed b) Recalled c) Presented d) Withheld e) Obscured

  4. In which of these contexts is 'wrap' used correctly? a) To wrap a scarf around one's neck. b) To wrap up the agenda for the day. c) To wrap from the left. d) To wrap a package for shipping. e) To wrap down operations.

  5. During the Q&A session, the speaker was asked to _____ further on the economic implications of the new policy. a) Condense b) Summarize c) Elaborate d) Omit e) Curtail

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team must finish the project by Friday morning. (Use "wrap" or a related word form)
  2. The protective film completely covered the screen. (Do not use "wrap")
  3. Please place a protective layer around the documents before mailing them. (Use "wrap" or a related word form)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. wrap
  2. cover
  3. wrap
  4. enclosed

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Wrap, c) Cover
  2. c) Wrap up
  3. c) Presented
  4. a) To wrap a scarf around one's neck., b) To wrap up the agenda for the day., d) To wrap a package for shipping.
  5. c) Elaborate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team must wrap up the project by Friday morning.
  2. The protective film completely shielded the screen.
  3. Please wrap the documents in a protective layer before mailing them.

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