puppies - Master This Word
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puppies Word Meanings
- A young dog, typically under one year old.
- A small, cute young person or thing used as a term of endearment.
- A naive, short-lived romance (puppy love).
puppies Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
puppies Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈpʌpi/
US
/ˈpəpi/
puppies Word Etymology
(a) Root: pup + suffix -py forming a diminutive/affectionate term for a young animal. (b) Origin: from Middle English puppe, from Old French poupée meaning doll. (c) Memory: imagine a toy doll named Puppy that springs to life as a wagging little dog.
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
puppy is a noun that refers to a young dog, usually under one year old, and it also serves affectionately for small or endearing things. In everyday speech you can say, 'The puppy is playing in the yard' or 'I adopted a puppy last weekend.' The phrase puppy love describes a naive, short-lived romance from adolescence. Although it can describe other young animals in some contexts, it most often means a dog. The word carries a warm, friendly tone that makes it common in talking about pets, children’s stories, and social media.
Usage Reminders
- Remember puppy refers to a young dog, not an adult.
- Use puppy for affectionate tone, not a formal label.
- Puppy is common in pet talk and children’s books.
- Puppy love indicates a light, temporary romance.
- Be aware some languages have separate words for dog young vs other animals.
- Pronounce PUH-pee with emphasis on the first syllable.
Common Misconceptions
- Puppy is not a synonym for any young animal; it normally means a young dog.
- Pup and puppy are related but not interchangeable in most contexts.
- Puppy love refers to a light, short‑term romance, not a serious adult relationship.
- Puppy is a noun, not an adjective describing cuteness by itself.
- Some phrases use puppy figuratively, but the core meaning remains a young dog.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, puppy clearly marks a young dog with a warm, endearing tone. Learners often mix it with pup or use it for non-dog contexts, or miss the idiomatic 'puppy love.'
Learning Tips
- Look at pictures of puppies to reinforce age and size cues.
- Practice conversations in pet stores or shelters to hear natural uses.
- Distinguish puppy from pup in talking about age vs young animals.
- Use the expression puppy love in context to avoid confusing with adult romance.
- Record yourself saying phrases about puppies and compare to native speech.
- Learn age-related phrases in other languages to avoid false friends.
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