stroke
word
Definition
A stroke can mean a gentle movement of the hand across something, one movement used in swimming, a single movement of a pen or brush, or a sudden medical condition in which blood flow to the brain is interrupted.
Usage & Nuances
This word has several unrelated common meanings, so context matters a lot. In everyday conversation, the medical meaning often appears in phrases like 'have a stroke'; with pets, 'stroke' is mainly British English, while American English more often says 'pet'. In swimming, it combines with names like 'backstroke' or 'breaststroke'.
Example Sentences
She gave the cat a gentle stroke on its back.
basic
He learned a new swimming stroke this summer.
basic
The letter starts with one stroke of the pen.
basic
His grandfather had a stroke last year, but he's doing better now.
natural
Just a stroke of luck, and we found parking right away.
natural
With a few quick strokes, she finished the painting.
natural