marble - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
marble Word Meanings
- a hard stone used for sculptures and buildings
- a small glass ball used in games
- a type of dessert or cake with swirls of different colors
marble Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
marble Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmɑː.bəl/
US
/ˈmɑːr.bəl/
marble Word Etymology
marble = marbre + -le (diminutive); from Latin 'marmor' → Old French 'marbre' → English 'marble'. Picture a beautiful marble statue, perfectly carved, shimmering in sunlight as an enduring symbol of art.
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 InputReal Context
Marble is a versatile word in English with three familiar senses. The most common meaning refers to a hard stone prized by sculptors and builders for its beauty and durability; you see it in statues, columns, and polished floors. A second sense is a small glass marble used in children's games, rolling or shooting these glass spheres across a playing surface. Finally, marble can describe a dessert or cake with swirls of different colors, typically resembling the stone's veins, as in marble cake. The word's etymology traces to marbre and the diminutive -le, from Latin marmor, passing through Old French into English. Thinking of marble as art, play, and food helps remember its varied usage.
Usage Reminders
- Marble is a noun with three senses: stone, glass game piece, and marble cake.
- For the stone sense, common phrases include marble statue and marble floor.
- For the game sense, use the plural marbles.
- For the dessert sense, say marble cake or swirl marble cake.
- Pronounce MAR-bəl and stress the first syllable.
Common Misconceptions
- Many people think marble only means the stone.
- They forget marble can also be a glass game piece.
- They assume marble cake is just chocolate cake.
- They confuse marble with other stones like granite or limestone.
- They treat marble as a verb in common usage.
Thinking Differences
In English, marble cleanly splits into three concrete senses, so learners must rely on context and collocations to pick the right sense quickly. This triad can be tough for beginners who translate literally and miss the dessert or game meanings.
Learning Tips
- Group the three senses visually (stone, game piece, dessert).
- Create quick flashcards with a sense label on one side and examples on the other.
- Learn key collocations for each sense (stone: statue floor; game: marbles; dessert: marble cake).
- Practice plural forms: marbles for the game sense.
- Listen for context clues to decide the sense quickly.
- Use a real-world image set to reinforce the three meanings.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'marble'?
A.A type of fruit
B.A type of fish
C.A type of flower
D.A type of stone
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is the word 'marble' used correctly?
A.She picked some fresh marble from the garden.
B.The cat played with a marble ball.
C.He caught a marble during fishing.
D.The kitchen counter was made of marble.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym of 'marble'?
A.Wood
B.Plastic
C.Glass
D.Stone
Step 4: Opposite Words
How does the word 'marble' apply in real-world situations?
A.Used in cooking recipes
B.Used in art for sculpting
C.Used in computer programming
D.Used in gardening techniques
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'marble' would be used?
A.Playing a children's game
B.Designing a kitchen counter
C.Reflecting on art history
D.Learning geology concepts
Related Listening
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