What is escape? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of escape

escapeverb

/ɪˈskeɪp/
Definition & pronunciation of escape

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "escape" in English. Here's a breakdown with audio links to help you:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • ih-SKAP

Let's break that down further:

  • ih: This is a short "i" sound, like in the word "bit".
  • SKAP: This is where it gets a bit trickier. The "sk" makes an "sk" sound (like in "skin"). The "ap" makes a short "a" sound, like in "apple".

Here are some resources with audio:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the "ih" sound at the beginning. This is key.
  • Don’t over-emphasize the “sk.” It’s a subtle 'sk' sound.
  • Don't add an extra "e" at the end. It shouldn't sound like "escape-ay."

To help me give you even more tailored feedback, would you like to:

  • Record yourself saying "escape" and I can tell you how it sounds?

Usage and examples with the word escape in English

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

1. To Get Away From a Dangerous or Unpleasant Situation:

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It refers to successfully leaving a place or situation that is threatening, uncomfortable, or undesirable.
  • Examples:
    • "The prisoners managed to escape from the jail by digging a tunnel."
    • "She tried to escape the rain by running into a coffee shop."
    • "The hikers needed to escape the blizzard before it became too dangerous."
    • "He planned his escape from his abusive relationship."

2. To Leave a Place (Generally):

  • Meaning: Simply to go away from a location. It’s a more neutral word than "escape" when not implying danger.
  • Examples:
    • “I need to escape the city for a few days.”
    • “We’ll escape to the countryside for the summer.”
    • “He managed to escape unnoticed.”

3. To Avoid Something:

  • Meaning: To avoid being caught, punished, or facing a problem.
  • Examples:
    • “He tried to escape detection by hiding his mistakes.”
    • “The company is trying to escape legal action.”
    • “Students often try to escape answering difficult questions.”

4. (Figurative) To Avoid a Feeling or Thought:

  • Meaning: To avoid dealing with a difficult emotion or memory.
  • Examples:
    • "She used music to escape her sadness."
    • "He keeps replaying the accident in his mind, unable to escape the memory."

5. (Of Animals) To Escape:

  • Meaning: Specifically for animals to break free from confinement.
  • Examples:
    • “The chickens escaped from the farm.”
    • “The dog escaped its leash.”

6. (Of Ideas/Thoughts) To Break Free:

  • Meaning: To overcome limitations or restrictions.
  • Examples:
    • "His art offered a way to escape the confines of traditional painting."
    • “She hoped writing would escape her from her anxieties.”

Key Phrases and Related Words:

  • Escape route: A plan or path to escape. (“We need to identify an escape route in case of fire.”)
  • Escape velocity: (Science) The speed needed to escape the gravitational pull of a planet.
  • Escape plan: A detailed strategy for escaping a situation.
  • Escape artist: (Historically) A performer who specializes in creating illusions of escape (e.g., Houdini).

Tips for Using "Escape" Effectively:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the situation to understand the specific meaning of "escape."
  • Intensity: "Escape" suggests a degree of difficulty or urgency. "Leave" is a more casual term.
  • Synonyms: Consider alternatives like “flee,” “evade,” “withdraw,” “break away,” depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

  • What is the context you’re thinking about using the word "escape" in? (e.g., "I'm writing a story," "I want to use it in a conversation," etc.)

Idioms of the word escape

close, lock, etc. the barn door after the horse has escaped
to try to prevent or avoid loss or damage when it is already too late to do so

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