What is dust? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of dust

dustnoun/verb

/dʌst/
Definition & pronunciation of dust

The word "dust" is pronounced "dust" – exactly as it looks!

It's a very straightforward pronunciation. It's a short, unstressed syllable, so it's often almost silent.

Here's a breakdown of how it sounds:

  • "d": As in "dog"
  • "u": As in "put"
  • "st": As in "stop"

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Usage and examples with the word dust in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dust" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings and ways to use it!

1. As a Physical Substance (The most common definition)

  • Meaning: Tiny particles of solid matter, typically originating from the decay of organic material or the erosion of rock. Think of it as small bits of dirt, dirt particles, or residue.
  • Examples:
    • "There's a thick layer of dust on the shelves." (Referring to a visible coating)
    • "I'm vacuuming to get rid of the dust." (Cleaning action)
    • "The attic was filled with old dust and cobwebs."
    • "He coughed as he inhaled the dust from the construction site."

2. Figurative Meanings - Loss and Decay

  • Meaning: This is where "dust" gets a bit poetic and symbolic. It represents mortality, the end of life, or loss. It's often associated with faded memories or things that are no longer relevant.
  • Examples:
    • "In the end, we are all just dust." (A philosophical statement about mortality)
    • "Her memories faded like dust in the wind." (Representing loss of recollection)
    • "The old photograph was just a faded dust of what it once was."
    • "Don't let your dreams turn to dust." (Warning against abandoning aspirations)

3. As a Verb (Less common, but important)

  • Meaning: To sprinkle or scatter something lightly.
  • Examples:
    • "She dusted the table with a cloth." (Cleaning action – applying a light coating)
    • "He dusted the roses before the party." (Sprinkling with water or a spray)
    • "The floor needs to be dusted."

4. “Dust Off” - An Idiomatic Expression

  • Meaning: To revive, refresh, or bring back to life (often an idea, a project, or a relationship).
  • Examples:
    • “Let’s dust off that old business plan.” (Revive it)
    • “He needed to dust off his skills after being out of work for so long.” (Refresh his skills)

5. “Dust Yourself Off” - An Idiomatic Expression

  • Meaning: To recover or regain strength after a setback or failure.
  • Examples:
    • “After the defeat, he just had to dust himself off and keep going.”

Tips for Using "Dust" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "dust" is determined by the surrounding words.
  • Consider the Tone: When using "dust" figuratively, it adds a serious or thoughtful element to your writing or speech.
  • Don't Overuse: Figurative uses of “dust” can feel heavy if used too frequently.

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word dust

Idioms of the word dust

bite the dust
to fail, or to be defeated or destroyed
  • Thousands of small businesses bite the dust every year.
(humorous)to die
    collect/gather dust
    to not be used for a long time
    • Play your guitar that's gathering dust, or pull out the old tennis racket for a match.
    • You may already have an old laptop that is collecting dust but otherwise usable.
    leave somebody in the dust
    (North American English)to leave somebody far behind
      let the dust settle | wait for the dust to settle
      to wait for a situation to become clear or certain
      • He waited for the dust to settle after the election before making any new decisions.

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