stripe - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
stripe Word Meanings
- having stripes
- marked with long narrow bands
- showing distinct lines or patterns
stripe Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
stripe Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/straɪp/
US
/straɪp/
stripe Word Etymology
stripe = 'a long, narrow band' (from Latin 'stripes' meaning 'to stripe') → Old French → English. Imagine a zebra with distinct lines, each stripe telling a story of its habitat’s beauty.
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
Stripe as an adjective describes something that has stripes, or is marked with long narrow bands, or shows a pattern of distinct lines. In everyday English you will often see 'striped' or 'with stripes' rather than 'stripe' used as an attributive adjective. The core idea is a repeat of parallel lines of color or shade. Common examples include a striped shirt, a zebra’s striped coat, or a surface with a striped pattern. Learners sometimes confuse 'stripe' with 'striped' or think stripes imply a measurement rather than pattern. Remember that 'stripe' can also be a noun for a single band, and the plural 'stripes' refers to multiple bands.
Usage Reminders
- 1. Stripe is usually a noun; use striped or with stripes for adjectives.
- 2. Stripes refers to multiple bands.
- 3. A single stripe can be described as a stripe, but more natural is 'a stripe' as part of a larger pattern.
- 4. Direction matters: horizontal vs vertical can change style.
- 5. Common collocations: striped shirt, striped scarf, pattern with stripes.
- 6. When in doubt, rephrase to 'with stripes' instead of 'a stripe'.
Common Misconceptions
- Stripe is not the natural adjective before a noun; use striped or with stripes.
- Stripe is usually a noun; stripes is the plural for multiple bands.
- Stripes describe patterns, not a single color block.
- Confusing stripe with striped when describing clothing.
- Misunderstanding stripe direction as a color difference.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short): Stripe as an adjective is less common; learners usually prefer striped or with stripes and often mix up stripe with stripes or striped.
Learning Tips
- Practice the noun vs adjective forms (stripe vs striped).
- Pair stripes with common nouns: shirt, scarf, flag.
- Notice direction cues: horizontal vs vertical stripes.
- Use 'with stripes' when describing a garment rather than 'a stripe ____'.
- Read labels or fashion descriptions to hear natural collocations.
- Quiz yourself with pictures of patterns to name them correctly.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'stripe'?
A.An exercise equipment
B.A type of fruit
C.A pattern of lines or bands
D.A form of transportation
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'stripe' used correctly?
A.She ate a delicious stripe for dessert.
B.The zebra has black and white stripes on its body.
C.He rode a stripe to work this morning.
D.Let's plant some stripes in the garden.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'stripe'?
A.Dot
B.Solid
C.Dash
D.Line
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an opposite of 'stripe'?
A.Pattern
B.Plain
C.Color
D.Design
Step 5: Mastery
Where can you see a 'stripe' in real life?
A.At the bottom of the ocean
B.In outer space
C.On a zebra in the wild
D.In a fictional story
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