strike - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
strike Word Meanings
- affected negatively by something
- hit or wounded
- grieved or distressed by loss
strike Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
strike Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/straɪk/
US
/straɪk/
strike Word Etymology
stricken: strick- = to strike, -en = to make; from Old English 'strican' → Middle English 'striken' → modern English; imagine a storm striking a land, leaving it devastated.
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 the hammer, shoulder squared, and move my wrist to aim. I adjust my grip, set my stance, and push through the small rise of effort until the head lands with a crisp strike. The work steadies, I feel the line straighten as I keep going. Then a memory strikes me, I breathe, and the moment changes me a little as I finish the task.
Real Context
Strike as a verb in English covers several related but distinct ideas that learners often mix up. It can mean to cause something to arrive suddenly, as in a plague or storm striking a town. It can mean to hit someone or something, as in a blow from a bat or a bolt of lightning striking a tree. It can express strong emotional or unexpected impact, as in being struck by grief or struck with admiration. Additionally, strike has fixed phrases like strike a deal, strike a balance, go on strike. Understanding the right object, preposition, and tense is key to using strike correctly across contexts.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: (1) be struck by = affected emotionally or suddenly; (2) strike = hit or cause damage; (3) be on strike vs go on strike; (4) strike a balance vs strike a deal; (5) differentiate transitive vs intransitive uses; (6) watch for passive forms with be struck by
Common Misconceptions
- Struck and struck by are always physical; they can also describe emotions.
- Strike means always to hit; it can also mean to start something like a strike or a deal.
- Be struck by something always needs be followed by an object; sometimes it is a feeling.
- Strike and hit are interchangeable in all contexts.
- Go on strike means to physically strike something.
Thinking Differences
Explains how English encodes multi-sense verb strike and typical learner mistakes (e. g., confusing strike with hit; misusing passives).
Learning Tips
- Build a core set of senses: sudden event, hit/ damage, emotional impact.
- Practice with at least three fixed phrases: strike a deal, strike a balance, go on strike.
- Use be struck by for emotions and be struck by realization.
- Differentiate transitive vs intransitive uses with objects.
- Learn common collocations and verbs that pair with strike.
- Check context to choose correct preposition (by, with, at, for).
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'strike'?
A.Sleep
B.Sing
C.Hit forcefully
D.Eat
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'strike' used in a sentence?
A.The birds strike beautifully in the morning.
B.The workers decided to go on strike for better wages.
C.I strike for ten hours a day.
D.She likes to strike early dinner.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'strike'?
A.Love
B.Relax
C.Protest
D.Shout
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'strike'?
A.Peace
B.Ignore
C.Agree
D.Collaborate
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life situation where the word 'strike' would be used?
A.Families having a picnic
B.Students studying for exams
C.Workers striking for fair wages
D.Friends playing video games
Related Listening
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