vase
vase
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "vase" varies depending on dialect:
American English (common): /veɪs/
/veɪs/
British English (common, also heard in American English): /vɑːz/
/vɑːz/
American English (less common, older): /vɑːz/ (same as British)
British English (less common, older): /vɒz/
/vɒz/
Word Form Variations
Noun: vase (singular), vases (plural)
Verb: (No direct verb form in common use for the container. "Vase" as an archaic verb might exist in very specialized contexts related to ornamentation, but it's not standard.)
Adjective: vase (used attributively, e.g., "vase-shaped," "vase painting")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: An open container, typically made of glass or pottery, used for holding cut flowers or as an ornamental object.
Synonyms: urn, pot, jar, flowerpot, holder, container
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, refers to a specific type of container)
Definition 2: (Figurative, often poetic) A decorative object or structure resembling a vase in form.
Synonyms: urn-like structure, decorative vessel, ornament
Antonyms: plain object, functional item
Definition 3: (Architecture) An ornamental object resembling an ancient urn or vase, often used in gardens or as part of a building's decoration.
Synonyms: urn, amphora, jardiniere, decorative planter
Antonyms: (No direct antonym, refers to a specific architectural element)
Adjective
Definition 1: Resembling a vase in shape. (Used attributively or in compounds like "vase-shaped")
Synonyms: urn-shaped, amphora-like, container-shaped
Antonyms: flat, square, cuboid, irregular (shape)
Examples of Use
Books:
"She carefully arranged the freshly cut roses in a tall, slender glass vase on the dining table." (Fictional example from a domestic novel or romance)
"The book details the intricate designs of ancient Greek vases, tracing their evolution through different periods of pottery." (From a non-fiction book on art history or archaeology)
"He nervously fiddled with the small porcelain vase on the mantelpiece, awaiting the dreaded news." (Fictional example from a dramatic or suspense novel)
Newspapers:
"An antique Chinese vase from the Ming Dynasty fetched a record price at a London auction." ("The New York Times,")
"Local artisans are showcasing beautifully crafted ceramic vases at the Nairobi craft fair this weekend." ("The Standard,")
"Police are investigating the theft of valuable art pieces, including a rare crystal vase, from a gallery in Karen." ("Daily Nation,")
Online Publications:
"Our ultimate guide to choosing the perfect vase for every type of flower arrangement." (An article on a home decor or floral design blog, e.g., Martha Stewart Living online)
"Explore our collection of modern minimalist vases to add a touch of elegance to your home." (A promotional section on an e-commerce site, e.g., West Elm)
"DIY: How to repurpose old glass bottles into unique decorative vases." (An article on a craft or DIY website, e.g., Pinterest)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film: "I've got a bad feeling about this." (Star Wars, 1977) - This implies a precarious situation, perhaps like a valuable vase on the edge of a table.
Television Series: "For your next challenge, you must create a ceramic vase that can hold water and features intricate detailing." (Instructions on a pottery competition show, e.g., The Great Pottery Throw Down)
Song Lyrics: "And the memories you left behind, are like flowers in a broken vase, beautiful but fading." (From a melancholic pop ballad)
Video Games: "Your character accidentally knocked over a precious vase, alerting the guards!" (In-game event or consequence in a stealth or adventure game, e.g., Hitman)
Podcasts: "In this episode, we delve into the cultural significance of the burial vase in ancient Egyptian funerary rituals." (A podcast on history or archaeology, e.g., Lore)
General Public Discourse:
"Could you please put some water in the vase for the flowers?" (A common request)
"Be careful, don't break that expensive vase!" (A common warning)
"I bought a lovely new vase for the living room." (A casual statement about home decor)
"The antique vase was passed down through generations in our family." (Discussing family heirlooms)
"This ceramic vase is so beautiful; I love the texture." (A compliment on an object)
10 Quotes Using Vase
"A broken vase can be mended, but it will never be the same." (Common proverb, widely known)
"Fame is like a beautiful but delicate vase; it must be handled with care." (Lesser-known, but found in discussions about celebrity)
"She carefully placed the single rose in the slender crystal vase." (Original quote, descriptive of a common action)
"The memories you left behind, are like flowers in a broken vase, beautiful but fading." (Common song lyric theme)
"If a bull charges, you don't stand there holding a vase." (Original quote, emphasizing practical action over fragility)
"He dropped the precious vase, and with it, all his hopes shattered." (Lesser-known, found in dramatic narratives)
"This antique vase is priceless, a true work of art." (Common descriptive phrase for a valuable object)
"My grandmother always kept fresh flowers in the vase on the kitchen table." (Original quote, relatable domestic scene)
"Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing gonna be alright." (Bob Marley, "Three Little Birds," 1977) - This relates to finding calm amidst chaos, perhaps like ensuring a fragile vase remains unbroken.
"The art of arrangement is as important as the vase itself." (Lesser-known quote in floristry or design)
Etymology
The word "vase" has a clear origin from Latin, through French.
It comes from the Old French word vase.
This Old French word meant "a vessel," "a container," or "a dish."
Vase, in turn, came from the Latin word vas.
In Latin, vas meant "a vessel," "a dish," "a utensil," or "a container" of any kind.
So, when "vase" first entered the English language, in the late 16th century (around 1580s), its initial meaning was very broad and similar to its Latin root: "a vessel or container for various purposes," not just for flowers.
It was only later that its meaning specialized to refer primarily to the ornamental container specifically used for holding cut flowers, which is its most common meaning today. This specialization occurred over the 17th and 18th centuries as the object itself became more defined.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Vase
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "vase":
A bull in a china shop: A clumsy person who is likely to break things or cause damage. (Related to breaking fragile items like a vase).
A broken vase: Something that has been damaged beyond repair, or whose former beauty is marred.
To put something in a vase: To arrange flowers in a vase.
The empty vase: (Figurative) Something lacking its intended purpose or beauty.
A flower vase: A vase specifically designed for holding flowers.
To fill a vase: To put water or flowers into a vase.
As delicate as a glass vase: Extremely fragile or easily broken. (Original, descriptive).
An ornamental vase: A vase used purely for decoration.
To handle with kid gloves: To treat something very carefully. (Synonymous with treating a precious vase).
A work of art: Something of great beauty and skill. (Often applies to an exquisitely crafted vase).
To shatter hopes: To completely destroy someone's dreams or expectations. (Similar to shattering a vase).
The centerpiece: The main decorative item in the middle of a table. (Often a vase with flowers).
A collecting point: A place where certain items are gathered. (Metaphorical vase for items).
To admire a vessel: To appreciate a container. (Synonymous with admiring a vase).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of vase from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
