What is candy? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of candy

candynoun

/ˈkandi/
Definition & pronunciation of candy

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "candy" in English! It's a common source of confusion for non-native speakers. Here's the breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is: /ˈkændi/ (KAND-ee)

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

  • "Can": This part sounds like the word "can" – as in, “I can see it!” – with a short "a" sound (like in "cat").
  • "dy": This is where it gets tricky. It doesn't sound like "dee" like in "dead." Instead, it sounds like the "i" in "tiny" or the "i" in "city." It’s a short, quick "i" sound.

Putting it together: KAND-ee

Tips & Variations:

  • Regional Differences: You might hear slight variations depending on where you are in the English-speaking world:
    • American English: /ˈkændi/ is very common.
    • British English: /ˈkɑːndi/ (KAHND-ee) - The "a" sound is slightly longer and more open.

Resources to help you:

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  • Where are you learning English (e.g., the United States, the United Kingdom, another country)?

Usage and examples with the word candy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "candy" in English. It's a pretty straightforward word, but understanding its nuances can help you use it effectively.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Candy is a sugary treat, usually in the form of small pieces or squares. It can be hard (like a lollipop) or soft (like a gummy).

2. Common Uses:

  • As a food item: This is the most common use.

    • "I love eating candy after dinner."
    • "She bought a big bag of candy for the kids."
    • “Do you have any candy?” (asking for it)

  • Referring to a variety of sweets: "Candy" is often used broadly to include other sugary treats.

    • “We had candy and cake at the party.” (includes cake)
    • "She loves all kinds of candy – chocolate, gummies, and hard candies."

3. Figurative Uses (Less Common, but Important):

  • “Candy” as a metaphor for something alluring or tempting: This is where it gets a little more interesting. “Candy” can describe something that's attractive but potentially harmful or deceptive. This is a fairly common idiom.
    • "Candy words” – Flattery or sweet talk used to manipulate someone.
      • "He was just using candy words to get me to agree."
    • "Candy-coated criticism” – Giving criticism wrapped in pleasant words to make it easier to swallow, but still hurtful.
      • "Her feedback was candy-coated criticism; it sounded nice, but it was really harsh.”
    • "Candy land" - A pleasant or deceptive place (often used in a negative context implying false happiness).

4. Phrases & Idioms:

  • “Have a sweet” / "Have some candy": A polite way to offer someone a treat.

    • "Have a sweet!" (meaning have some candy)

  • “Sugar rush”: (Related but not directly “candy”) – Refers to the energy boost (and potential crash) caused by consuming large amounts of sugary foods.

5. Spelling:

  • Candy is the standard spelling. Don't use “condee” (that’s a completely different word!).

Examples in Sentences (Combining Uses):

  • “I brought some candy to school to share with my friends.” (Basic food item)
  • “She bought a box of chocolates and some hard candy.” (Variety of sweets)
  • "Don't let him use candy words to convince you to do something you don't want to do." (Figurative)

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What are you trying to do with the word "candy"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, understand a specific sentence?)

Synonyms for the word candy

Idioms of the word candy

be like taking candy from a baby
(informal)used to emphasize how easy it is to do something
  • I thought it was going to be difficult to get funding for the project, but in the end it was like taking candy from a baby.

Practice with vocabulary candy

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the Halloween party, the kids eagerly collected their favorite ______.
  2. She decided to bake a cake instead of buying a box of ______.
  3. The store sells a variety of sweets, including chocolates, gummies, and ______.
  4. He reached for the ______, but then realized he forgot to bring his wallet.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following is a common treat given to children on Halloween?
    a) Candy
    b) Vegetables
    c) Books
    d) Toys

  2. What do you call a small, sweet confectionery often wrapped in colorful paper?
    a) Cake
    b) Candy
    c) Bread
    d) Cheese

  3. Which item is typically included in a dessert table at a party?
    a) Salad
    b) Candy
    c) Soup
    d) Pasta

  4. Which word refers to a sugary snack often eaten as a treat?
    a) Candy
    b) Fruit
    c) Cereal
    d) Juice

  5. What is another term for a sweet food made from sugar or chocolate?
    a) Candy
    b) Crackers
    c) Chips
    d) Nuts

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She handed out sweet treats to the children.
    Rewrite: She handed out ______ to the children.

  2. Original: He bought a bag of chocolates and gummies for the party.
    Rewrite: He bought a bag of ______ for the party.

  3. Original: The jar was filled with colorful sweets.
    Rewrite: The jar was filled with colorful ______.

Answer

Exercise 1:

  1. candy
  2. candy
  3. cake
  4. sweets

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Candy
  2. b) Candy
  3. b) Candy
  4. a) Candy
  5. a) Candy

Exercise 3:

  1. She handed out candy to the children.
  2. He bought a bag of candy for the party.
  3. The jar was filled with colorful snacks.

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