What is abandon? Pronunciation and usage in English

abandon means . Learn how to pronounce and use abandon through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of abandon

abandonverb

/əˈband(ə)n/
Definition & pronunciation of abandon

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "abandon" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /əbˈændən/ (This is the way it’s generally taught and used)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "ab": Pronounced like "uhb" - Think of the "a" as a short "uh" sound. It’s a quick, unstressed sound.

  2. "ˈænd": This is the stressed syllable (the part of the word that gets emphasized). Pronounce it like "and". The “ˈ” symbol tells you this syllable is stressed.

  3. "on": Pronounced like "on".

Putting it together: uhb - and - on = uhbˈændon

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is clearly on the second syllable ("and").
  • Vowel Sounds: Focus on the short "uh" sound in "ab" and the clear “and” sound.
  • Don't say "ab-an-don": Many people instinctively break it down like this, but that’s incorrect. It flows as one word.

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word abandon in English

Let's break down how to use the word "abandon" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. As a Verb - To Leave Behind (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To leave a place, person, or thing completely; to give up something or someone. It often implies a sense of leaving unwillingly or without intending to return.
  • Examples:
    • "The hikers had to abandon their campsite due to the approaching storm." (They left the campsite.)
    • "She abandoned her dreams of becoming a singer when she lost her voice." (She gave up her dream.)
    • "The factory abandoned its plans to expand." (They canceled the expansion.)
    • "He abandoned his wife and children." (He left them – often with a negative connotation)

2. As a Verb - To Desert (Often with a Negative Connotation)

  • Meaning: To leave someone in need, especially in a dangerous situation; to fail to support someone. This carries a stronger sense of responsibility being neglected.
  • Examples:
    • "The soldiers abandoned their wounded comrades on the battlefield." (They left them to suffer.)
    • "The government abandoned the refugees at the border." (They left them without help.)
    • “Don’t abandon your principles.” (Don’t give up your moral values.)

3. As an Adjective - Forsaken; Deserted

  • Meaning: Describing something that has been left behind, deserted, or no longer cared for.
  • Examples:
    • "The abandoned house stood on a lonely hill." (Describing a house that is empty and unattended.)
    • “He felt utterly abandoned after his best friend moved away.” (Describes a feeling of being alone and unsupported)
    • “The abandoned ship drifted aimlessly on the ocean.” (Describing a ship that’s been left to decay.)

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Tone: “Abandon” can have a strong, negative tone, especially when used to describe leaving someone in need. It often implies a failure of responsibility.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you could use words like: leave, desert, forsake, relinquish, renounce, quit, disengage.

Here’s a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To leave completely "They abandoned the project."
Verb To desert; to fail to support "He abandoned his family."
Adjective Forsaken; deserted "The abandoned building was creepy."

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Synonyms for the word abandon

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