Stroke
/stroʊk/
nounverbB2
Definition
As a noun, "stroke" can mean a soft, smooth touch or movement, like when you gently move your hand over a surface. It also refers to a single movement in writing, painting, or swimming. In medicine, a stroke is a serious problem when blood flow to the brain stops, causing damage. As a verb, it means to move your hand gently over something or to perform a smooth movement.
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See It in Action
Gentle movement or touch
- •She gave the dog a loving stroke on its head.
- •He stroked the cat’s fur softly.
- •The artist’s brush made smooth strokes on the canvas.
A single movement in an activity (writing, swimming, painting)
- •The swimmer improved her stroke to go faster.
- •He drew the letter with one careful stroke.
- •The clock’s second hand moved in steady strokes.
Medical condition (serious)
- •He had a stroke and was taken to the hospital immediately.
- •Quick treatment can reduce damage from a stroke.
- •Stroke symptoms include weakness and difficulty speaking.
To move your hand gently over something (verb)
- •She stroked her hair back from her face.
- •The mother stroked her baby’s cheek.
- •He stroked the smooth surface of the table.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "stroke" like "touch" (A1 word), but slower and softer, like a calm movement
- ✓Picture a cat being gently petted with a soft hand moving slowly on its fur
- ✓It's the feeling when someone calms you by softly moving their hand on your back
- ✓Sounds like "st-roke" → imagine a rope being stroked gently, moving smoothly along your hand
- ✓Think of painting: one brushstroke is one smooth line made by the brush
- ✓NOT like "hit" (fast, hard); "stroke" is slow and gentle
- ✓NOT like "tap" (quick, light); "stroke" is longer and smoother
- ✓Contrast by intensity: a stroke can be very soft or very strong (like swimming strokes vs. a medical stroke)
- ✓Medical stroke is very different from gentle stroke; it is serious and dangerous, not a touch
Try Other Words
- •Caress: gentle and loving touch (Use when the touch is very soft and emotional)
- •Pet: to stroke an animal gently (Use mostly with animals)
- •Dab: a quick light touch (Use when the movement is short and light, not smooth)
- •Swim stroke: a specific movement in swimming (Use in sports context)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: No prefix or suffix; root word "stroke" stands alone
- •Etymology: From Old English "strāc" meaning a stroke or blow, originally meaning a movement or blow with the hand or a tool
- •Historical development: Originally meant a strong hit or blow; later developed to include gentle, smooth movements and medical meaning
- •Modern usage: Used for gentle touches, actions in sports and art, and serious medical condition related to the brain
Reflect & Connect
•How can the meaning of "stroke" change depending on the situation—when is it gentle and when is it serious?
•Can you think of times when a "stroke" (touch) makes someone feel calm or happy?
Fill in the blanks
1.When you stroke a cat, you usually ___ your hand slowly and gently over its fur to make it calm.
2.A swimmer changes their stroke to ___ their speed in the water.
3.If someone has a stroke, it means their brain does not get ___ blood, which is very dangerous.
4.The artist made a long, smooth stroke ___ the paper to create the shape.
5.People often stroke their hair when they feel ___ or thoughtful.
6.A gentle stroke on the back can help someone feel ___ after a hard day.
7.A stroke is different from a tap because it is ___ and continuous, not quick and sharp.