What is yellow? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of yellow

yellowadjective

/ˈjɛləʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of yellow

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "yellow" in English. It can be a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈjɛloʊ/ (This is using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "yell-": This part sounds like "yell" as in "cry out". The vowel sound is a short "e" sound, like in "bed."

  2. "-ow": This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like the word "low." It's a diphthong – meaning it’s a combination of two vowel sounds gliding smoothly into each other. Think of it as a sound somewhere between "o" and "u," but more like the "ow" in "cow" or "now." It’s not like saying "yo."

Here's a breakdown of what it doesn't sound like:

  • Don’t say “jole”: The "o" is not pronounced like in "hole."
  • Don’t say “jeelo”: The “e” is not a long “e” sound like in “bean.”

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce yellow" on YouTube. You’ll find many audio examples from native English speakers.
  • Practice slowly: Say "yell-ow" slowly at first, focusing on each syllable.
  • Mimic native speakers: Try to imitate the sounds you hear.

Resources to check out:

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Usage and examples with the word yellow in English

Let's break down how to use the word "yellow" in English. It has several different meanings and uses! Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. The Color:

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the primary meaning – it refers to the color.
    • "The sun is yellow."
    • "She wore a yellow dress."
    • "A yellow banana."
  • Variations:
    • Yellowish: A lighter shade of yellow. "The sky was yellowish in the morning."
    • Lemon yellow: A bright, cheerful yellow.
    • Mustard yellow: A darker, brownish-yellow.
    • Golden yellow: A rich, warm yellow.

2. Feelings and Emotions (Idiomatic Usage):

This is where "yellow" gets really interesting and a bit quirky. It describes certain feelings, often associated with cowardice, fear, or weakness.

  • "Yellow" (feeling fearful or cowardly): This is the most important idiom!
    • "He turned yellow when he was confronted about the mistake." (He turned pale with fear.)
    • "Don't be yellow! Stand up for what you believe in." (Don't be afraid!)
    • "She was feeling a bit yellow after the bad news." (She felt apprehensive or worried.)
  • Related Idioms:
    • Yellow-bellied: Similar to "yellow," meaning cowardly. "Don't be a yellow-bellied coward."
    • Give someone the cold shoulder (and make them feel yellow): Ignoring someone can make them feel insecure and scared.

3. Other Uses:

  • Yellow Pages: The directory of businesses. "I looked in the yellow pages for a plumber."
  • Yellow Journalist: A journalist who sensationalizes stories for profit (often associated with biased or unreliable reporting). "The article seemed like something written by a yellow journalist."
  • Yellow Fever: A disease. "Vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for travelers to Africa."
  • Yellow Light: A traffic signal. "Stop when the yellow light appears."
  • Yellow Brick Road: (From The Wizard of Oz) A metaphorical path to a goal. “He followed the yellow brick road to his dreams.”
  • Yellowish/Pale: Describing something that’s not quite bright or healthy. “He had a slightly yellowish complexion.”

4. Describing Things (Beyond Color):

  • Yellow journalism: Sensationalized news reporting.
  • Yellow-tongued: (Figurative) Speaking insincerely or with false praise. "He was just yellow-tongued, trying to please everyone."

Tips for Using “Yellow” Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of “yellow” depends heavily on the context.
  • Idioms require practice: The emotional meaning is less predictable and takes time to understand and use naturally.
  • Be aware of the connotations: The feeling of "yellow" can have negative connotations (cowardice).

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What are you trying to do with the word "yellow"? (e.g., write a sentence, understand a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word yellow

Practice with vocabulary yellow

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Traffic signals often display a ______ light to warn drivers before the light turns red.
  2. In project management, a ______ flag might indicate a potential issue that requires monitoring.
  3. The early morning sun cast a ______ glow over the city skyline, signaling the start of a new day.
  4. The architect specified a vibrant ______ for the accent wall, contrasting with the neutral tones of the office space.

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

  1. Which of the following colors is often associated with warning, caution, or indicators of ripeness in fruits? a) Blue b) Green c) Yellow d) Purple
  2. Which of these fruits are typically associated with a yellow hue when ripe? a) Apples b) Bananas c) Oranges d) Lemons e) Cherries
  3. In a chemical titration using certain indicators, a solution might change to a yellow color, often indicating: a) An exothermic reaction b) The endpoint has been reached c) A decrease in pH d) Precipitation is occurring
  4. Which of these terms describes a light, neutral color, often seen in textiles or interior decor, that is not a primary or secondary color? a) Crimson b) Beige c) Emerald d) Navy
  5. Which of the following describes a signal indicating approval or permission to proceed with an action or project? a) Red light b) Amber alert c) Green light d) Hold signal

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The leaves on the trees started changing their color as autumn approached.
    • Rewrite:
  2. The project manager highlighted a potential issue that could cause delays.
    • Rewrite:
  3. The early morning sunlight was very bright and warm.
    • Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. yellow
  2. yellow
  3. golden
  4. blue

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Yellow
  2. b) Bananas, d) Lemons
  3. b) The endpoint has been reached
  4. b) Beige
  5. c) Green light

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The leaves on the trees began to turn yellow with the approach of autumn.
  2. The project manager raised a yellow flag, signaling a potential issue that could cause delays.
  3. The early morning sunlight cast a golden glow, feeling very warm.

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