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How to Say Escape: Pronunciation, Definition

Master the pronunciation and meaning of escape. Explore its origin, alternatives, and usage in everyday phrases.

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How to Pronounce Escape

Sound Breakdown: The word "escape" is pronounced as /ɪsˈkeɪp/. It has two syllables: "es" and "cape".
First Syllable ("es"): Say a short "ih" sound, similar to the start of "is" or "in".
Second Syllable ("cape"): Start with a clear "k" sound followed by "ayp", where the "ay" is similar to the sound in "cake".
Emphasis: Put more stress on the second syllable "cape". This means it should be slightly longer and louder than the first syllable.
Practice Tip: Slowly say "es-cape", then gradually speed up to your normal speaking pace. Listen carefully to native speakers and repeat several times.
Extra Help: Try recording yourself and compare your pronunciation with clear audio examples available online.

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What Does Escape Mean

Understanding Escape

Basic Meaning: Escape means to leave or get away from a place or situation that is dangerous, painful, or unwanted.
Physical Context: It is used when someone runs away from a dangerous place, such as escaping from a fire or a threat.
Mental or Emotional Context: Escape can also mean avoiding difficult feelings or problems by distracting oneself with other activities, like watching a movie or taking a walk.
Usage in Sentences:
- After the accident, he wanted to escape from the stressful environment.
- She escaped from the locked room when she found the key.
Key Idea: The word "escape" is all about freeing yourself from something that is causing you harm or discomfort.

Understanding Escape

Basic Meaning: Escape means to leave or get away from a place or situation that is dangerous, painful, or unwanted.
Physical Context: It is used when someone runs away from a dangerous place, such as escaping from a fire or a threat.
Mental or Emotional Context: Escape can also mean avoiding difficult feelings or problems by distracting oneself with other activities, like watching a movie or taking a walk.
Usage in Sentences:
- After the accident, he wanted to escape from the stressful environment.
- She escaped from the locked room when she found the key.
Key Idea: The word "escape" is all about freeing yourself from something that is causing you harm or discomfort.

The Origin of the Word Escape

The Origin of the Word "Escape"

Early Beginnings: The word "escape" comes from the Old French word eschaper or escaper, which was used in the Middle Ages. This word meant to get free or to slip away.
Latin Roots: The Old French term is thought to have come from the Medieval Latin word excappare. This word is formed by combining the prefix ex- (meaning "out") with cappa (meaning "cloak").
Literal Meaning: In the past, one common way to escape a dangerous situation was to quickly remove one’s cloak, a garment that signified control or being caught. This physical act of removing a cloak may have led to the figurative usage that means to get away from confinement or danger.
Evolution in Meaning: Over time, the word developed the broader sense we now know: to break free from any form of constraint, whether physical or situational. It has been used to describe fleeing from a prison, dangerous situations, or even emerging from problems in everyday life.
Modern Usage: Today, "escape" is common in both everyday language and literature. It is often used to describe both literal acts of fleeing and metaphorical acts, like escaping from reality through art or music.

The Origin of the Word "Escape"

Early Beginnings: The word "escape" comes from the Old French word eschaper or escaper, which was used in the Middle Ages. This word meant to get free or to slip away.
Latin Roots: The Old French term is thought to have come from the Medieval Latin word excappare. This word is formed by combining the prefix ex- (meaning "out") with cappa (meaning "cloak").
Literal Meaning: In the past, one common way to escape a dangerous situation was to quickly remove one’s cloak, a garment that signified control or being caught. This physical act of removing a cloak may have led to the figurative usage that means to get away from confinement or danger.
Evolution in Meaning: Over time, the word developed the broader sense we now know: to break free from any form of constraint, whether physical or situational. It has been used to describe fleeing from a prison, dangerous situations, or even emerging from problems in everyday life.
Modern Usage: Today, "escape" is common in both everyday language and literature. It is often used to describe both literal acts of fleeing and metaphorical acts, like escaping from reality through art or music.

What to Say Instead Escape

Flee

Similarity: Conveys the idea of running away quickly from danger or trouble.
Usage: "When the alarm sounded, the residents had to flee the building immediately."

Flee

Similarity: Conveys the idea of running away quickly from danger or trouble.
Usage: "When the alarm sounded, the residents had to flee the building immediately."

Elude

Similarity: Implies successfully escaping capture or avoiding being grasped, often with cleverness.
Usage: "The suspect managed to elude the police by staying one step ahead."

Elude

Similarity: Implies successfully escaping capture or avoiding being grasped, often with cleverness.
Usage: "The suspect managed to elude the police by staying one step ahead."

Evade

Similarity: Focuses on skilfully avoiding something, such as a question, duty, or danger.
Usage: "The politician tried to evade answering the challenging question during the interview."

Evade

Similarity: Focuses on skilfully avoiding something, such as a question, duty, or danger.
Usage: "The politician tried to evade answering the challenging question during the interview."

Break Free

Similarity: Emphasizes the act of freeing oneself from constraints or captivity.
Usage: "After years of confinement, the wild animal finally broke free from its cage."

Break Free

Similarity: Emphasizes the act of freeing oneself from constraints or captivity.
Usage: "After years of confinement, the wild animal finally broke free from its cage."

Get Away

Similarity: A casual term often used to denote the act of leaving, escaping, or avoiding something unpleasant.
Usage: "They planned a weekend retreat to get away from the stresses of everyday life."

Get Away

Similarity: A casual term often used to denote the act of leaving, escaping, or avoiding something unpleasant.
Usage: "They planned a weekend retreat to get away from the stresses of everyday life."

Abscond

Similarity: Typically refers to leaving hurriedly and secretly, often to avoid detection, especially in legal or financial contexts.
Usage: "The accountant absconded with the company's funds before the audit began."

Abscond

Similarity: Typically refers to leaving hurriedly and secretly, often to avoid detection, especially in legal or financial contexts.
Usage: "The accountant absconded with the company's funds before the audit began."

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Common Phrases and Examples with Escape

1. The cat tried to escape from the house.

Explanation: This sentence means that the cat tried to leave the house quickly.

2. He had to escape from a burning building.

Explanation: Here, "escape" means he needed to get out of the dangerous, burning building fast.

3. I need an escape from my busy day.

Explanation: In this sentence, "escape" is used to show that I want a break from my hectic day.

4. The room has a secret escape door.

Explanation: This means the room has a hidden door that can be used to leave quickly.

5. She found it hard to escape her worries.

Explanation: Here, "escape" means it was difficult for her to stop thinking about her problems.

6. We planned a great escape for our vacation.

Explanation: In this sentence, "escape" refers to a trip planned as a way to relax and take a break from daily life.