If you searched for “prise definition,” you may be wondering what the word means and how to use it correctly. Prise is mainly a verb that means to force something open, loose, or away from another object, often by using a tool or applying force.
For example, you might prise open a door that is stuck or prise a lid off a container. The word is more common in British English and can sometimes be confused with prize because the two words have the same pronunciation in many English accents. Definition
What Does Prise Mean?
Prise means to force something open, loose, or apart, usually by using force or a tool such as a lever, bar, or screwdriver.
For example:
He tried to prise the window open.
Here, “prise” means that he used force to open the window.
The word can also describe removing something that is tightly fixed. If you prise an object away from another surface, you force it loose.
The verb is often used when something cannot be opened or removed easily by hand. It suggests using pressure or leverage to get the desired result.
Prise Definition and Meaning
The basic definition of prise is:
Prise (verb): to force something open, loose, or away from something else, usually by using force or a tool.
The word can be used in several related situations. You can prise open a box, prise a door apart, or prise something loose from a surface. Definition
For example:
- She used a knife to prise the lid open.
- The workers managed to prise the metal panel away.
- He tried to prise the stuck drawer open.
The meaning stays close to the idea of forcing something loose or open.
There is also a less common use of “prise” meaning to obtain information from someone with difficulty. For example, someone may try to prise information from a person. In this use, the person is trying hard to get information that the other person does not want to give.
How to Pronounce Prise
Prise is usually pronounced like “prize.”
The pronunciation is:
/praɪz/
It has one syllable.
This is one reason people sometimes confuse prise with prize. Although they can sound identical, their meanings are different.
For example:
- Prise = force something open or loose.
- Prize = an award or something of great value.
The context tells you which word is meant.
Prise as a Verb
Prise is used as a verb. It describes an action involving force, pressure, or leverage.
A common pattern is:
prise + object + open
Example:
They tried to prise the safe open.
Another common pattern is:
prise + object + loose
Example:
He used a tool to prise the nail loose.
You may also see prise something from something:
She managed to prise the key from his hand.
In this sentence, “prise” means to force or pull the key away.
The word often appears with objects that are stuck, closed, attached, or difficult to remove.
Examples of Prise in a Sentence
Here are some examples that show how prise is normally used:
The mechanic used a bar to prise the cover off.
She tried to prise open the locked window.
He used a screwdriver to prise the panel loose.
The firefighters had to prise the car door open.
They managed to prise the box apart.
The child tried to prise the toy from his brother’s hand.
Police had to prise the door open after nobody answered.
She refused to reveal the information, despite their attempts to prise it from her.
These examples show that “prise” can refer to physically forcing something open or getting something from someone with difficulty.
Prise vs Prize
Prise and prize are different words, even though they are pronounced the same in many accents.
Prise is mainly a verb. It means to force something open, loose, or away.
Prize is usually a noun referring to something awarded to a winner. It can also be a verb meaning to value something highly.
Compare these sentences:
He used a tool to prise the lid open.
She won first prize in the competition.
The first sentence describes forcing something open. The second refers to an award.
There is also the verb prize:
I prize this photograph because it was given to me by my grandfather.
Here, “prize” means to value something greatly.
A simple way to remember the difference is that prise is connected with forcing something open, while prize is connected with an award or something highly valued.
Prise vs Prize vs Praise
These three words are easy to mix up because their spellings and sounds can cause confusion.
Prise means to force something open or loose.
He used a tool to prise the door open.
Prize can mean an award or something that is highly valued.
She won a prize for her artwork.
Praise means to express approval or admiration.
The teacher praised her for her hard work.
The words have different meanings, so using the right spelling matters.
| Word | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Prise | Force something open or loose | He tried to prise the lid open. |
| Prize | An award or something highly valued | She won a prize. |
| Praise | Express approval or admiration | They praised his work. |
Synonyms for Prise
The best synonym for prise depends on the sentence.
Some alternatives include lever, force open, pull loose, wrench, lift, and remove.
For example, “prise open” can sometimes be replaced with force open:
He tried to prise open the door.
He tried to force the door open.
“Lever” can also work when a tool is used to move something:
They used a bar to lever the panel away.
However, these words are not always exact replacements. “Prise” often suggests using pressure or leverage to free something that is stuck or difficult to move.
Is Prise a British or American Word?
Prise is commonly used in British English. In American English, pry is often used for the same meaning.
For example, British English may say:
He tried to prise the window open.
American English is more likely to say:
He tried to pry the window open.
Both describe forcing the window open.
This difference is useful to know when reading books, websites, newspapers, or other material written in British English. If you mainly use American English, “pry” may be the word you see more often.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prise
What is the simple definition of prise?
Prise means to force something open, loose, or away from another object, usually by using force or a tool.
What does prise mean in British English?
In British English, prise commonly means to force something open or loose. For example, “He tried to prise the door open.”
Is prise the same as prize?
No. Prise means to force something open or loose, while prize can mean an award or something that is highly valued.
Is prise a verb?
Yes. Prise is mainly used as a verb. It describes forcing, lifting, opening, or removing something with force.
How do you use prise in a sentence?
You can use “prise” when describing something being forced open or removed. For example: “She used a screwdriver to prise the lid open.”
What is the difference between prise and pry?
Both can mean forcing something open or loose. Prise is more common in British English, while pry is more common in American English.
Conclusion
The prise definition is simple: to force something open, loose, or away, usually by using force or a tool. It is mainly used as a verb and is especially common in British English.
Remember that prise is different from prize and praise. Prise relates to forcing something open or loose, prize can refer to an award or something highly valued, and praise means showing approval or admiration.
Once you understand these differences, using “prise” correctly becomes much easier.
