piece — meaning in English: piece

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for piece

piece

day

American

business

Skip this question

🎓

Learn English for free

Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.

Start learning →

Already have an account? Log in

neutral very common

Usage

Native speakers often use 'piece' in various contexts, such as referring to a specific portion of something, like a piece of cake at a birthday party, or when discussing art, such as a piece of music or a piece of artwork in a gallery. It can also be used informally to describe part of a conversation, as in 'Let's take a piece of that discussion and focus on it.'

Synonyms & nuances

'Piece' is often more general than synonyms like 'segment' or 'portion.' While 'segment' might imply a more defined, measurable division—like a segment of a circle—'piece' can refer to anything from a slice of pizza to a fragment of an idea, making it versatile in everyday conversation.

Culture

'Piece' comes from the Old French 'piece,' which means 'a part of something.' Over time, it has evolved to signify not only physical parts but also abstract concepts, such as a piece of advice. Interestingly, the phrase 'piece of cake' originated in the early 20th century to indicate something easy to achieve, reflecting the enjoyment people associate with cake.

FAQ

Q.What are some common phrases that include the word 'piece'?

'Piece' appears in various phrases like 'piece of mind,' which refers to mental calmness, and 'piece together,' meaning to assemble information or items to understand a situation better. These expressions show the word's flexibility in different contexts.

Q.How do you use 'piece' in a sentence?

You can use 'piece' in sentences like, 'Can I have a piece of your cake?' or 'This piece of art is breathtaking.' It's commonly used to denote a part of a whole in both casual and formal contexts.

Q.Are there any common mistakes with the word 'piece'?

One common mistake is using 'piece' when 'peace' is intended, as they are homophones but have very different meanings. Always ensure the context is clear to prevent confusion between the two.

Learn english with Maspeak →

English 1000