What is holiday? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of holiday

holidaynoun

/ˈhɒlɪdeɪ//ˈhɒlɪdi/
Definition & pronunciation of holiday

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /hɒˈleɪ/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "hol" - /hɒ/:

    • h - as in "hat"
    • o - as in "go"
    • l - as in "light"
    • ay - as in "say" (this is a diphthong - a vowel sound that glides from one sound to another)

  2. "day" - /ˈleɪ/:

    • l - as in "light"
    • ay - as in "say" (same diphthong as above)

So, putting it together, you'd say it like this: "Hol-lay"

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("-lay"). You want to emphasize that syllable more than the first ("hol").
  • The "ay" sound: This is key! Practice saying "say" repeatedly to get the feel of this vowel sound.
  • Don’t overemphasize the “h”: The ‘h’ is silent.

Resources to listen:

  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce holiday" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/holiday/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.
  • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce holiday” on YouTube for numerous video tutorials.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some examples of sentences using "holiday"?

Usage and examples with the word holiday in English

Let's break down how to use the word "holiday" in English. It's a frequently used word, but it has a specific meaning and a few nuances.

1. Core Meaning: A Day of Celebration or Rest

At its most basic, a "holiday" is a day (or sometimes a period of days) that's set aside for celebration, rest, or religious observance. It's a break from normal work or school.

2. Types of Holidays

  • Religious Holidays: These are tied to specific religions.

    • Christmas: Celebrates the birth of Jesus.
    • Easter: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus.
    • Hanukkah: A Jewish festival of lights.
    • Ramadan: A Muslim month of fasting.
    • Diwali: A Hindu festival of lights.

  • National Holidays: These are holidays recognized by a government within a country.

    • Independence Day (USA): Celebrates the country's independence.
    • Labor Day (USA/Canada): Honors workers.
    • Victoria Day (Canada): Celebrates the birth of Queen Victoria.
    • Bank Holiday (UK): Days when banks and many businesses are closed, often commemorating historical events or figures.

  • Public Holidays: This often overlaps with National Holidays but can sometimes include days recognized by a region or municipality.

  • Bank Holidays: As mentioned above, these are days when banks are closed, and many businesses are also closed.

  • Personal Holidays: These are days off taken for personal reasons, such as a vacation or a birthday. You'd typically say "I'm taking a holiday next month" to mean you're going on vacation.

3. Usage Examples

  • “We have a holiday next week.” (Meaning a day off)
  • “Christmas is a major holiday.” (Referring to the religious and cultural significance)
  • “The Fourth of July is our national holiday.” (Referring to Independence Day)
  • “She planned a holiday to Italy.” (Meaning a vacation)
  • "Let's celebrate with a holiday dinner." (A festive meal associated with a holiday)
  • “Many countries have public holidays to commemorate important events."

4. Related Words & Phrases

  • Holiday season: The period surrounding a holiday (e.g., the holiday season, Christmas season).
  • Holiday home: A vacation home.
  • Holiday resort: A place offering vacation accommodations and activities.
  • Take a holiday/vacation: To go on a trip for leisure.
  • Holiday spirit: The feeling of joy and excitement associated with holidays.

5. Note on American vs. British Usage

  • "Vacation" is more commonly used in American English to refer to a trip for leisure.
  • "Holiday" is more common in British English, covering a broader range of days off, including religious and national holidays.

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What context are you interested in using the word "holiday" in? (e.g., talking about travel, discussing religion, describing a day off?)

Synonyms for the word holiday

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