stroke
stroke 30 सेकंड में
- A stroke is a single unit of movement, common in art (brushstroke), sports (swimming stroke), and writing (penstroke).
- Medically, a stroke is a critical emergency where blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced, requiring immediate attention.
- The word also functions as a noun for a gentle, affectionate touch, often used when talking about petting animals or children.
- Idiomatically, it appears in phrases like 'stroke of luck' or 'stroke of genius' to describe sudden, impactful events or ideas.
The word stroke is a remarkably versatile noun in the English language, functioning as a bridge between the delicate world of art and the urgent world of medicine. At its most fundamental level, particularly for an A1 learner, a stroke represents a single, discrete movement. Imagine holding a pencil and drawing one straight line from the top of the paper to the bottom; that single action is a stroke. This concept extends naturally to painting, where every time a brush touches the canvas and moves, it creates a brushstroke. The beauty of this word lies in its precision; it doesn't just mean 'to move,' but rather 'one complete unit of movement.'
- The Artistic Context
- In art, a stroke is the fundamental building block of a masterpiece. Whether it is a bold, thick stroke of oil paint or a fine, light stroke of a pen, it defines the texture and emotion of the work.
- The Sporting Context
- In swimming or rowing, a stroke is one complete cycle of the arms or oars. It is the rhythmic unit that propels the athlete forward through the water.
- The Medical Context
- Crucially, 'stroke' also refers to a sudden medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is interrupted. This usage is vital for safety and health communication globally.
"With one final stroke of his brush, the artist finished the portrait of the young queen."
Beyond these physical meanings, 'stroke' can also describe a gentle touch. When you move your hand kindly over a cat's fur or a child's hair, you are giving them a stroke. This sense of the word conveys affection, calmness, and care. It is a soft action, contrasting sharply with the medical definition. Furthermore, we use 'stroke' in the context of time. When a large clock like Big Ben rings, we say it is the 'stroke of midnight.' This indicates the exact moment the bell is hit.
"The swimmer's stroke was powerful and efficient, allowing her to win the gold medal easily."
"He suffered a minor stroke last year but has since made a full and inspiring recovery."
- Metaphorical Usage
- We often hear the phrase 'a stroke of luck.' This means a sudden, unexpected piece of good fortune that happens all at once, like a single movement of fate.
- Mechanical Usage
- In engines, a stroke refers to the movement of a piston. A 'four-stroke engine' is a common term in automotive engineering.
"Finding that twenty-dollar bill on the sidewalk was a real stroke of luck!"
Understanding 'stroke' requires recognizing these different 'departments' of meaning. While an A1 student might start with the idea of drawing a line, the word grows with the learner, eventually encompassing complex medical, mechanical, and idiomatic concepts. It is a word that rewards attention to context, as the meaning changes drastically depending on whether you are in a hospital, a swimming pool, or an art studio.
Using the word stroke correctly depends heavily on the verb you pair it with and the context of the sentence. Because it can be both a physical action and a medical condition, the surrounding words are your best clues for clarity. For A1 and A2 learners, focusing on the physical and artistic uses is the best starting point, while B1 and higher learners should master the medical and idiomatic expressions.
- Verb Collocations (Art & Writing)
- Use verbs like make, apply, or use. Example: 'She made a broad stroke with the blue paint.' This emphasizes the creation of the mark.
- Verb Collocations (Medical)
- Use verbs like have, suffer, or survive. Example: 'He suffered a stroke.' Avoid saying 'he did a stroke,' as this is a common error for non-native speakers.
- Verb Collocations (Sports)
- Use verbs like perfect, practice, or improve. Example: 'The coach helped him improve his backstroke.'
"To paint a realistic tree, you must use short, quick strokes for the leaves and long, steady strokes for the trunk."
When describing the act of touching something gently, 'stroke' is often used as a noun in the phrase 'give [something] a stroke.' For example, 'Give the dog a stroke; he is very friendly.' In this context, it is synonymous with 'pet.' However, 'stroke' can also be a verb (e.g., 'He stroked the cat'), but as a noun, it emphasizes the single instance of the action.
In formal or academic writing, 'stroke' appears in discussions of health statistics or art history. In these cases, it is often modified by adjectives to provide more detail. For instance, a 'lacunar stroke' is a specific medical term, while a 'gestural stroke' is a term used in art criticism to describe a movement that shows the artist's physical energy.
"The clock tower began to chime, and on the twelfth stroke, the new year officially began."
Finally, consider the 'stroke of luck' or 'stroke of genius' patterns. These are fixed expressions. You cannot say 'a hit of luck' or 'a movement of genius.' These phrases imply that the luck or genius arrived suddenly and perfectly, like a well-placed stroke of a pen. Mastering these collocations will make your English sound much more natural and sophisticated.
The environments where you will encounter the word stroke are diverse, ranging from the quiet halls of a museum to the high-pressure environment of a hospital. Understanding these contexts helps you predict which meaning of the word is being used before you even hear the full sentence.
- In the Hospital or Doctor's Office
- Medical professionals use 'stroke' to describe a cerebrovascular accident. You might hear phrases like 'stroke symptoms,' 'stroke unit,' or 'recovering from a stroke.' In this context, it is a serious and heavy word.
- At the Swimming Pool or Rowing Club
- Coaches will shout instructions like 'Watch your stroke!' or 'Increase your stroke rate!' Here, it refers to the physical technique of moving through water.
- In an Art Studio or Gallery
- Critics and teachers discuss the 'brushwork' and 'individual strokes' of a painting. They might say, 'The artist used very aggressive strokes in this piece.'
"If you suspect someone is having a stroke, remember the acronym F.A.S.T.: Face, Arms, Speech, Time."
You will also hear 'stroke' in everyday conversations involving pets or children. A parent might tell a child, 'Be gentle when you give the bunny a stroke.' This is a very common, soft usage. In business or creative meetings, you might hear 'stroke of genius' when someone comes up with a brilliant idea. It’s a way of complimenting a sudden, high-quality thought.
"At the stroke of midnight, the deadline for the competition will pass, and no more entries will be accepted."
In literature and news reporting, 'stroke' is often used to describe decisive actions. A journalist might write about a 'stroke of a pen' that changed a law, referring to a leader signing a document. This highlights how a small physical action (signing) can have a massive impact on the world. This metaphorical use is very common in political and legal commentary.
Even though 'stroke' is a common word, its multiple meanings can lead to some confusing errors for English learners. Avoiding these mistakes will help you communicate more clearly and avoid potentially awkward or serious misunderstandings.
- Mistake 1: Confusing 'Stroke' with 'Strike'
- While both words involve hitting or movement, a 'strike' is usually more forceful or aggressive (like in baseball or a labor strike). A 'stroke' is more controlled or rhythmic (like in painting or swimming). Incorrect: 'He made a strike with his paintbrush.' Correct: 'He made a stroke with his paintbrush.'
- Mistake 2: Using the wrong verb for the medical condition
- Learners often say 'he made a stroke' or 'he did a stroke.' In English, we always say someone had or suffered a stroke. Incorrect: 'My grandfather did a stroke last year.' Correct: 'My grandfather had a stroke last year.'
- Mistake 3: Confusing the noun and verb forms in sports
- In swimming, 'stroke' is the noun for the style (e.g., breaststroke), but the action of swimming itself is usually the verb 'swim.' Incorrect: 'I am going to stroke in the pool.' Correct: 'I am going to swim some strokes in the pool.'
"Don't say: 'The cat liked my strike.' Say: 'The cat liked it when I gave him a stroke.'"
Another common error is using 'stroke' when you mean 'touch' in a general sense. 'Stroke' implies a long, sliding movement. If you just tap someone on the shoulder, that is not a stroke. If you rub your hand down their arm, that is a stroke. Precision in describing the type of touch is key to using this word correctly.
"Incorrect: 'A stroke of lightning hit the tree.' Correct: 'A bolt or flash of lightning hit the tree.'"
Finally, be careful with the plural. While 'strokes' is common in art and sports, when talking about the medical condition, we usually talk about individual instances. If someone has had the condition twice, you say 'he has had two strokes,' but you would never say 'he has strokes' as a general habit or state of being.
To truly master stroke, it helps to compare it with other words that occupy similar semantic spaces. Depending on which meaning of 'stroke' you are using, the synonyms and related words will change entirely.
- Vs. 'Pet' (Verb/Noun)
- In the context of animals, 'pet' and 'stroke' are very similar. However, 'pet' is more common as a verb in American English, while 'stroke' is very common in British English. As a noun, 'a stroke' is the action, while 'a pet' usually refers to the animal itself.
- Vs. 'Line' or 'Mark' (Art)
- A 'line' is the result of a movement. A 'stroke' is the movement itself. You use a stroke to create a line. 'Mark' is a more general term for any change made to a surface.
- Vs. 'Seizure' or 'Heart Attack' (Medical)
- These are often confused by learners. A stroke is specifically in the brain. A heart attack is in the heart. A seizure is an electrical disturbance in the brain. They are all emergencies, but they are not the same thing.
"While a brushstroke describes the action, the texture describes how the paint looks on the canvas after the stroke is done."
In sports, specifically swimming, 'stroke' is often compared to 'lap.' A lap is the distance from one end of the pool to the other. A stroke is the individual arm movement. You might take twenty strokes to complete one lap. In rowing, 'stroke' can also refer to the person who sits closest to the stern and sets the pace for the rest of the crew.
"The poet's penstrokes were elegant, much like the cadence of his spoken verses."
When discussing luck, 'stroke' is unique. We don't say 'a beat of luck' or 'a touch of luck' in the same way. 'A bit of luck' is common, but 'a stroke of luck' implies something much more sudden and significant. Understanding these subtle differences helps you choose the word that carries the exact 'weight' and 'speed' you want to convey.
How Formal Is It?
कठिनाई स्तर
ज़रूरी व्याकरण
Countable vs. Uncountable nouns
Collocations with 'have' and 'suffer'
Compound nouns (brushstroke, backstroke)
Prepositional phrases (at the stroke of)
Idiomatic expressions
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
Draw a long stroke with your pencil.
Dessinez un long trait avec votre crayon.
Countable noun with 'a'.
The cat likes a gentle stroke.
Le chat aime une caresse douce.
Used as a noun meaning 'pet'.
Make one stroke of blue paint.
Faites un trait de peinture bleue.
Singular noun.
He gave the dog a stroke.
Il a caressé le chien.
Phrase: 'give [someone] a stroke'.
Look at this stroke on the paper.
Regardez ce trait sur le papier.
Demonstrative 'this' + noun.
I use small strokes to draw.
J'utilise de petits traits pour dessiner.
Plural noun 'strokes'.
Is this a good stroke?
Est-ce un bon trait ?
Question form.
The brush stroke is very thin.
Le coup de pinceau est très fin.
Compound noun 'brush stroke'.
Her swimming stroke is very fast.
Son mouvement de natation est très rapide.
Refers to swimming technique.
The clock rang at the stroke of ten.
L'horloge a sonné au coup de dix heures.
Phrase: 'at the stroke of [time]'.
He practiced his backstroke today.
Il a pratiqué son dos crawlé aujourd'hui.
Specific type of swimming stroke.
You need a steady stroke to row a boat.
Il faut un mouvement régulier pour ramer.
Refers to rowing action.
The artist used broad strokes for the sky.
L'artiste a utilisé de larges traits pour le ciel.
Adjective 'broad' modifying 'strokes'.
She gave the horse a kind stroke.
Elle a fait une caresse gentille au cheval.
Noun use for affection.
Every stroke of the oar moved the boat.
Chaque coup de rame faisait avancer le bateau.
Possessive 'of the oar'.
He finished the letter with a quick stroke.
Il a fini la lettre d'un trait rapide.
Refers to writing movement.
It was a stroke of luck that we met.
C'était un coup de chance que nous nous soyons rencontrés.
Idiom: 'a stroke of luck'.
My uncle is recovering from a stroke.
Mon oncle se remet d'un AVC.
Medical noun.
The doctor explained the causes of a stroke.
Le médecin a expliqué les causes d'un AVC.
Medical context.
He won the game with a brilliant stroke.
Il a gagné le match avec un coup brillant.
Refers to a move in a game.
She felt a stroke of sadness as she left.
Elle a ressenti un élan de tristesse en partant.
Metaphorical use for emotion.
The painting has very delicate strokes.
La peinture a des traits très délicats.
Descriptive art context.
He had a stroke at the age of sixty.
Il a eu un AVC à l'âge de soixante ans.
Verb 'had' with 'stroke'.
The rower increased his stroke rate.
Le rameur a augmenté sa cadence de coups.
Technical sports term.
The new law was passed with the stroke of a pen.
La nouvelle loi a été adoptée d'un trait de plume.
Metaphor for official action.
That idea was a real stroke of genius.
Cette idée était un véritable coup de génie.
Idiom: 'stroke of genius'.
A four-stroke engine is more efficient.
Un moteur à quatre temps est plus efficace.
Mechanical term.
He suffered a minor stroke but is fine now.
Il a subi un léger AVC mais il va bien maintenant.
Verb 'suffered' with 'stroke'.
The artist's strokes were full of energy.
Les traits de l'artiste étaient pleins d'énergie.
Describing artistic style.
The stroke of the piston creates power.
Le mouvement du piston crée de la puissance.
Engineering context.
She analyzed the different strokes in the poem.
Elle a analysé les différents traits du poème.
Literary metaphor.
The golfer's stroke was perfectly timed.
Le coup du golfeur était parfaitement synchronisé.
Sports technique.
The CEO's decision was a masterstroke of strategy.
La décision du PDG était un coup de maître stratégique.
Compound noun 'masterstroke'.
The symptoms of a heat stroke can be severe.
Les symptômes d'un coup de chaleur peuvent être graves.
Specific medical term 'heat stroke'.
Every stroke of his brush revealed his inner turmoil.
Chaque coup de son pinceau révélait son tourment intérieur.
Expressive literary use.
The clock's heavy strokes echoed through the hall.
Les coups lourds de l'horloge résonnaient dans le hall.
Auditory description.
He avoided a stroke of disaster by acting quickly.
Il a évité une catastrophe de justesse en agissant rapidement.
Metaphorical 'stroke of disaster'.
The stroke volume of the heart is a key metric.
Le volume d'éjection systolique du cœur est une mesure clé.
Advanced physiological term.
The calligraphy was defined by its fluid strokes.
La calligraphie se définissait par ses traits fluides.
Specialized art context.
It was a bold stroke to invest all the money there.
C'était un coup audacieux d'investir tout l'argent là-bas.
Metaphor for a risky move.
The novelist captures the human condition in a few deft strokes.
Le romancier capture la condition humaine en quelques traits habiles.
Literary metaphor for brevity and skill.
The patient presented with classic signs of an ischemic stroke.
Le patient présentait des signes classiques d'un AVC ischémique.
Highly technical medical terminology.
The political landscape was altered by a single stroke of fate.
Le paysage politique a été modifié par un seul coup du sort.
High-level metaphorical abstraction.
The intricate strokes of the engraver's tool were barely visible.
Les traits complexes de l'outil du graveur étaient à peine visibles.
Precise technical description.
His resignation was the final stroke in a long-running drama.
Sa démission a été le coup final d'un drame de longue date.
Metaphor for conclusion.
The stroke of the engine's cycle must be perfectly synchronized.
Le temps du cycle du moteur doit être parfaitement synchronisé.
Complex engineering context.
She spoke of the 'strokes' of history that define nations.
Elle a parlé des 'coups' de l'histoire qui définissent les nations.
Philosophical/Historical metaphor.
The stroke of the midnight bell signaled the end of an era.
Le coup de la cloche de minuit a signalé la fin d'une époque.
Poetic/Literary usage.
सामान्य शब्द संयोजन
सामान्य वाक्यांश
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
A strike is a hit; a stroke is a movement or a medical event.
A stroll is a slow walk; a stroke is a single movement.
A streak is a long, thin mark; a stroke is the action of making it.
मुहावरे और अभिव्यक्तियाँ
आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
वाक्य संरचनाएँ
इसे कैसे इस्तेमाल करें
'Stroke' (petting) is more common in UK; 'Pet' is more common in US.
In engineering, 'stroke' is a specific measurement of distance.
-
You need the indefinite article 'a' when referring to the medical event.
-
'Strike' is too violent; 'stroke' is the correct term for art.
-
The phrasing 'give [something] a stroke' is the standard noun usage.
-
'Bolt' is the specific collocation for lightning.
-
Use the verb 'had' or 'suffered' for medical conditions.
सुझाव
Use with Luck
Always use 'stroke' with 'luck' to sound like a native speaker. It emphasizes the suddenness of the good fortune. 'A stroke of luck' is a perfect B1-level phrase. It is much better than just saying 'good luck'.
Remember F.A.S.T.
In medical contexts, 'stroke' is linked to the F.A.S.T. acronym. This stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. Knowing this could save a life. It is the most critical use of the word.
Describe Style
When looking at art, use 'stroke' to describe the texture. 'Bold strokes' suggest confidence and energy. 'Fine strokes' suggest detail and patience. It is a great word for art appreciation.
Countable Noun
Remember that 'stroke' is countable. You can say 'He made several strokes.' This is important for both art and sports contexts. Don't use it as an uncountable mass noun.
Swimming Types
Learn the compounds: breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly stroke. These are the standard names for swimming styles. Each one is a single word or a very tight compound. They are essential for sports vocabulary.
The Pen's Power
The phrase 'with the stroke of a pen' is powerful in writing. It describes how a simple signature can have huge consequences. Use it when writing about history or politics. It adds a literary quality to your work.
Long O Sound
The 'o' in stroke is a diphthong /oʊ/. Make sure to move your mouth from an 'o' to a 'u' shape. It should rhyme exactly with 'smoke' and 'broke'. Practice this to avoid sounding like 'struck'.
Petting Animals
In the UK, always use 'stroke' for animals. 'Can I stroke your dog?' is the standard polite question. In the US, 'pet' is more common, but 'stroke' is still understood and sounds very gentle.
Genius Moments
Use 'stroke of genius' for a truly brilliant idea. It's a high compliment. It suggests the idea came all at once, perfectly formed. It's great for business or creative feedback.
Exact Timing
Use 'at the stroke of' for precision. It's more dramatic than just saying 'at'. 'At the stroke of noon' sounds like a significant event is about to happen. Use it for storytelling.
याद करें
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Old English 'strācian'
सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
Valued in calligraphy-heavy cultures (East Asia) as a measure of character.
Common in English-speaking business and creative sectors.
High awareness in developed nations due to aging populations.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"Have you ever had a major stroke of luck in your life?"
"What kind of swimming stroke do you find the easiest?"
"Do you prefer paintings with bold strokes or very fine details?"
"What's the best way to prevent a heat stroke in the summer?"
"Have you heard the expression 'different strokes for different folks'?"
डायरी विषय
Describe a time you experienced a stroke of genius.
Write about a pet you like to stroke and how it makes you feel.
Reflect on a 'stroke of the pen' that changed your life (a signature).
Describe the different strokes used in your favorite sport.
Write a story that begins at the stroke of midnight.
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल
10 सवालNo, it is only bad in a medical context. In art, sports, or as a gentle touch, it is positive or neutral. A 'stroke of luck' is very positive. Context is essential for understanding the connotation.
Yes, 'stroke' can be a verb meaning to move your hand gently over something. For example, 'She stroked the baby's head.' It follows the same general meaning as the noun version of a gentle touch.
A heat stroke is a dangerous condition caused by your body overheating, usually from being in high temperatures for too long. It is a medical emergency similar in urgency to a brain stroke. It requires immediate cooling and medical help.
It means that different people have different tastes, interests, or ways of doing things. It is a way of saying that everyone is unique and we should respect those differences. It is a very common informal idiom.
In art, you use it to describe the marks made by a brush or pen. You can talk about 'broad strokes,' 'fine strokes,' or 'delicate strokes.' It helps describe the technique and style of the artist.
Yes, in golf, a 'stroke' is one hit of the ball. A player's score is the total number of strokes they took to finish the course. This is a very common technical use in the sport.
A masterstroke is an extremely clever or skillful move that results in a great success. It is often used in politics, business, or games like chess. It implies that the action was perfectly timed and executed.
It is more common to say 'a bolt of lightning' or 'a flash of lightning.' While 'stroke' implies a hit, 'bolt' is the standard term used in English for lightning. Using 'stroke' might sound slightly unusual.
A stroke happens in the brain when blood flow is blocked. A heart attack happens in the heart when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. Both are emergencies, but they affect different organs.
It refers to the physical action of the clock's hammer striking the bell. Each 'stroke' is one ring of the bell. 'At the stroke of midnight' means exactly when the bell rings twelve times.
खुद को परखो 180 सवाल
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'stroke' fundamentally describes a single, discrete action or event—whether it's a mark on paper, a movement in water, a gentle touch, a chime of a clock, or a sudden medical crisis in the brain.
- A stroke is a single unit of movement, common in art (brushstroke), sports (swimming stroke), and writing (penstroke).
- Medically, a stroke is a critical emergency where blood flow to the brain is blocked or reduced, requiring immediate attention.
- The word also functions as a noun for a gentle, affectionate touch, often used when talking about petting animals or children.
- Idiomatically, it appears in phrases like 'stroke of luck' or 'stroke of genius' to describe sudden, impactful events or ideas.
Use with Luck
Always use 'stroke' with 'luck' to sound like a native speaker. It emphasizes the suddenness of the good fortune. 'A stroke of luck' is a perfect B1-level phrase. It is much better than just saying 'good luck'.
Remember F.A.S.T.
In medical contexts, 'stroke' is linked to the F.A.S.T. acronym. This stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services. Knowing this could save a life. It is the most critical use of the word.
Describe Style
When looking at art, use 'stroke' to describe the texture. 'Bold strokes' suggest confidence and energy. 'Fine strokes' suggest detail and patience. It is a great word for art appreciation.
Countable Noun
Remember that 'stroke' is countable. You can say 'He made several strokes.' This is important for both art and sports contexts. Don't use it as an uncountable mass noun.
उदाहरण
He suffered a stroke last year.
संबंधित सामग्री
संदर्भ में सीखें
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
Health के और शब्द
abortion
B2गर्भपात भ्रूण के स्वतंत्र जीवन के सक्षम होने से पहले गर्भावस्था की समाप्ति है।
abortions
C1गर्भपात (abortions) का अर्थ है भ्रूण के स्वतंत्र रूप से जीवित रहने से पहले गर्भावस्था को समाप्त करना।
abrasion
B2अपघर्षण त्वचा पर रगड़ के कारण होने वाली एक सतही चोट है। यह घर्षण के माध्यम से किसी सामग्री के घिसने की प्रक्रिया को भी संदर्भित करता है।
acuity
B2तीक्ष्णता (Acuity) विचार, दृष्टि या सुनने की शक्ति की स्पष्टता या तीव्रता को संदर्भित करती है।
acute
B2तीव्र या गंभीर (समस्या); पैना या प्रखर (इंद्रियाँ/बुद्धि)।
addictary
C1दोहराव या अभ्यस्त जुड़ाव के माध्यम से किसी विषय में व्यवस्थित रूप से शारीरिक या मनोवैज्ञानिक निर्भरता की स्थिति पैदा करना।
addicted
B1वह वीडियो गेम का आदी हो गया है।
addiction
B2लत किसी पदार्थ या व्यवहार पर निर्भरता की स्थिति है। नशीली दवाओं की लत समाज के लिए हानिकारक है।
adrenaline
B2एड्रेनालाईन एक हार्मोन है जो तनाव या उत्तेजना के दौरान शरीर द्वारा निर्मित होता है।
advivcy
C1अस्पताल के <span class='italic'>advivcy</span> दृष्टिकोण ने रोगियों की जीवन शक्ति को बढ़ाया।