cartoon - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
cartoon Word Meanings
- a simple drawing showing the features of its subjects in a humorously exaggerated way
- a short animated film
- a caricature used to convey political satire
cartoon Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
cartoon Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kɑːˈtuːn/
US
/kɑrˈtun/
cartoon Word Etymology
cartoon = car- (to draw) + toon (short for animation); Originated from Italian 'cartone' (a large paper), then Latin 'carta' (paper) to English. Imagine a humorous drawing coming to life in an animated world.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip a pencil and tilt the page, watching a simple cartoon come to life. I push the image a little closer and adjust the lines as the features shift and exaggerate. It feels playful, like a tiny world that invites a quick laugh. In real use, I keep turning a cartoon idea into a short joke for a page or screen.
Real Context
Cartoon is a flexible noun in English that covers three related ideas. First, a simple drawing that exaggerates features for humorous effect, often seen in comic strips or illustrations. Second, a short animated film, typically created to entertain or tell a story for children or general audiences. Third, a caricature used in political satire to comment on current events. The word also appears in phrases like cartoon character, cartoonist, or classic cartoons. Etymologically, cartoon comes from car- (to draw) and toon (short for animation), with roots linked to the Italian cartone and Latin carta. Today, it spans still images and moving pictures, and context usually signals whether you mean a single image, an animation, or a satirical drawing.
Usage Reminders
- • Use cartoon for both still drawings and animated films when the context is clear
- • Political cartoons are a specific subcase of satire and should be labeled accordingly
- • Remember cartoon is a noun; its plural is cartoons
- • Distinguish cartoon from caricature and from comic strips
- • Cartoonish is an adjective describing a style rather than a single image
Common Misconceptions
- Cartoon always means a moving animated film
- Cartoon is only for kids
- A caricature is the same as a cartoon
- All funny drawings are cartoons
- Cartoon cannot refer to printed illustrations
Thinking Differences
For English learners, cartoon commonly refers to both a drawing and an animation, so pay attention to context to determine which sense is meant. In many contexts, a political cartoon is clearly satire, not a kids film.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three core senses and note which sense a sentence uses
- Practice with common collocations: cartoon character, political cartoon, cartoons
- Distinguish between art forms: still drawing vs animated film
- Recognize related words: cartoonist, cartooning, cartoonish
- Pay attention to tone: satire vs humor for different contexts
- Pronounce carefully: CAR-toon with the stress on the first syllable
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'cartoon'?
A.A type of plant
B.A simple drawing
C.A loud noise
D.A delicious pastry
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'cartoon' correctly?
A.She listened to a cartoon on the radio.
B.His favorite cartoon character is an elephant.
C.The cartoon of the trees were tall and green.
D.Let's watch a cartoon at the museum.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is the most similar word to 'cartoon'?
A.Mountain
B.Sketch
C.Watermelon
D.Calculator
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'cartoon'?
A.Fast
B.Sunny
C.Realistic
D.Happy
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context for the word 'cartoon'?
A.He liked to listen to classical music.
B.She enjoyed watching animations on screen.
C.The flowers in the garden bloomed beautifully.
D.They had a picnic at the park.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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