pear - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
pear Word Meanings
- a round fruit with a distinct pear shape and sweet-tart flesh
- the pear-shaped form of the fruit or object
- an idiom meaning that something has gone wrong or turned out badly
pear Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
pear Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/peə/
US
/pɛr/
pear Word Etymology
(a) Prefix/suffix + root: no prefix; Latin root pir- with suffix -um forms pirum. (b) Historical origin: pirum from Latin, ultimately from Greek peira, via Old French poire, into English pear. (c) Memory image: imagine a pirate on a bright ship offering a pear, with a flag hinting at the pir- root to aid recall.
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
Pear is a mid-sized fruit with a distinctive shape: wider at the bottom and tapering toward the stem, offering a sweet-tart flesh when ripe. In English, pear also yields a figurative sense via pear-shaped, used to describe something that has gone wrong or turned out badly, as in a plan that went pear-shaped. The etymology traces to Latin pirum, via Old French poire, into English pear. A memory image helps: picture a pirate on a bright ship offering a pear, a flag hinting at the pir- root to aid recall. The word is also used in informal contexts for things shaped like a pear, or as part of compound nouns like pear tree.
Usage Reminders
- Use pear for the fruit; plural pears.
- Don’t confuse pear with pair (two items).
- Pear-shaped describes something that has gone wrong; used mainly in informal contexts (British English).
- Common collocations: pear tree, pear juice, pear cider.
- Pronounce /ˈpɛər/; avoid homophone mix-up with 'peer'.
Common Misconceptions
- Pears are perfectly round like apples.
- Pear and pair mean the same thing.
- Pear-shaped only describes physical shape, never a situation.
- All pears are green.
- There is no English idiom involving pear-shaped.
Thinking Differences
English favors metaphorical extensions (pear-shaped) that map to outcomes rather than literal shape; learners often translate idioms literally or miss regional usage cues such as the British preference.
Learning Tips
- Visualize the pear shape to remember the term.
- Compare pear with apple to notice shape differences.
- Practice distinguishing pear from pair in listening tasks.
- Use the idiom in context: 'the plan went pear-shaped'.
- Create a memory cue with a pirate and a pear to recall etymology.
- Learn common phrases: pear tree, pear juice, pear cider.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'pear' correctly?
A.He wore a pear jacket to the party.
B.The cat chased the flying pear.
C.She enjoyed the sweet taste of the pear.
D.I need a new pear of shoes.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'pear'?
A.Carrot
B.Apple
C.Banana
D.Orange
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'pear'?
A.Peach
B.Watermelon
C.Cucumber
D.Lemon
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario involving a pear?
A.The students completed their homework.
B.She rode a bicycle to work.
C.He planted a pear tree in his garden.
D.They went on a hiking trip.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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