What is cabinet? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of cabinet

cabinetnoun

/ˈkabɪnɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of cabinet

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "cabinet" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio links for reference:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • KAY-bit

Let's break it down further:

  • KAY: Like the name "Kay"
  • bit: Like the word "bit" (as in, a small piece of something)

Here are some resources to hear it pronounced:

Important Notes:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("KAY").
  • Regional Variations: While "KAY-bit" is the standard, you might hear slight variations in some regions.

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  • Practice saying it with you?
  • Explain any other pronunciation challenges you're having with English words?

Usage and examples with the word cabinet in English

Let's break down how to use the word "cabinet" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Furniture – A Physical Cabinet

  • Definition: This is the most common meaning – a piece of furniture, usually rectangular, with doors and shelves for storing things.
  • Examples:
    • "We have a beautiful wooden cabinet in the dining room."
    • “I need to move this old cabinet out of the hallway.”
    • “He stacked the dishes in the kitchen cabinet.”
    • “The cabinet drawers were full of old photographs.”

2. Government – A Group of Ministers

  • Definition: Refers to a group of ministers appointed to advise a head of state (like a prime minister or president). This is a political term.
  • Examples:
    • “The Prime Minister formed a new cabinet.”
    • “The cabinet met to discuss the budget.”
    • "There was a disagreement within the cabinet about the proposed policy."
    • "The cabinet reshuffle announced today..."

3. A Committee (Less Formal)

  • Definition: Sometimes, “cabinet” is used informally to refer to a group of people working together on a specific project or task, often with a decision-making role.
  • Examples:
    • "The school cabinet is organizing the fundraiser." (Referring to a group organizing the fundraiser)
    • "Let’s get a cabinet together to brainstorm ideas." (Referring to a team brainstorming)

4. Storage (More General)

  • Definition: Can be used more generally to refer to a place for storing things, especially in a formal or institutional setting.
  • Examples:
    • “The files are kept in a secure cabinet.”
    • “The documents are stored in a government cabinet.”
    • “The medicine was locked in a cabinet.”

Here’s a table summarizing the different usages:

Meaning Type Example
Furniture Physical "She organized her clothes in a cabinet."
Government Political “The cabinet debated the legislation.”
Committee Informal “The cabinet decided on the venue.”
General Storage General "The tools are in the workshop cabinet."

Tips for Using “Cabinet” Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “cabinet” is almost always clear from the surrounding words.
  • Be Aware of the Nuance: Using “cabinet” in a political sense implies a formal government structure.
  • Don't Overuse: While versatile, it’s a relatively formal word. Consider simpler words like “drawer,” “shelf,” or “box” if more appropriate.

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "cabinet"? (e.g., describing furniture, talking about politics, something else?)

Practice with vocabulary cabinet

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The government’s decision was discussed in the ________ before being announced to the public.
  2. She placed the fragile vase on the ________ to keep it safe from the children.
  3. The meeting room was equipped with a large ________ for storing important documents.
  4. He reached into the ________ to grab a pen but found it empty.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Where would you store important files in an office?
    a) Cabinet
    b) Bookshelf
    c) Drawer
    d) Table

  2. Which of the following is a piece of furniture?
    a) Cabinet
    b) Strategy
    c) Policy
    d) Agenda

  3. In which of these scenarios is a "cabinet" most likely to be used?
    a) Cooking a meal
    b) Storing dishes
    c) Writing a letter
    d) Taking a walk

  4. What is another word for a storage unit in a kitchen?
    a) Cupboard
    b) Cabinet
    c) Shelf
    d) Counter

  5. Which term refers to a group of senior government officials?
    a) Council
    b) Committee
    c) Cabinet
    d) Board


Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The dishes were kept in the wooden storage unit.
    Rewrite:

  2. Original: The ministers held a meeting to discuss the policy changes.
    Rewrite:

  3. Original: He opened the kitchen cabinet to get a plate.
    Rewrite:


Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. cabinet
  2. shelf
  3. cabinet
  4. drawer

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Cabinet, c) Drawer
  2. a) Cabinet
  3. b) Storing dishes
  4. a) Cupboard, b) Cabinet
  5. c) Cabinet

Exercise 3:

  1. The dishes were kept in the cabinet.
  2. The cabinet held a meeting to discuss the policy changes.
  3. He opened the kitchen cupboard to get a plate.

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