What is abandoned? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of abandoned

abandonedadjective

/əˈband(ə)nd/
Definition & pronunciation of abandoned

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "abandoned" in English. It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word is broken down into three syllables: ab - and - oned

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • ab: Pronounced like "ab" in "about." Short and quick.
  • and: Pronounced exactly as you'd say "and."
  • oned: This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "awned."
    • "awn": Sounds like the word "own" but without the "o" sound at the beginning. It's a short, open "a" sound.
    • "ed": This is pronounced as a short "d" sound, like in "bad."

3. Putting it all together:

The full pronunciation is: ab - AND - oned (pronounced roughly as: uh-bahn-dnd)

4. Tips for sounding natural:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("ab").
  • Flow: It should flow smoothly, not with abrupt stops between the syllables.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "abandoned" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/abandoned/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce abandoned" on YouTube; you'll find many videos.

To help me tailor the advice even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English as a second language?

Usage and examples with the word abandoned in English

Let's break down how to use the word "abandoned" effectively in English. It has a few different meanings and grammatical usages. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As an Adjective (Describing something left behind):

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It describes something that has been left behind, usually without planning or intention. It implies neglect, loneliness, or a lack of care.

  • Examples:

    • "The abandoned house stood on a hill, covered in ivy and weeds." (Describes the state of the house)
    • "He found an abandoned car in the junkyard." (Describes the car)
    • "The abandoned puppy was shivering in the rain." (Describes the puppy's situation)
    • "The abandoned village held a haunting beauty." (Describes the village)

2. As a Past Participle (Used with "be" verbs):

  • Meaning: In this form, "abandoned" is used with verbs like is, was, were, are, been, being to describe a state of being.

  • Examples:

    • “The ship was abandoned after the storm.” (The ship came to be in a state of abandonment)
    • “She was abandoned by her family.” (She came to be in a state of abandonment)
    • "The city has been abandoned for decades." (The city has come to be in a state of abandonment)

3. As a Verb (To leave someone or something behind):

  • Meaning: This is the action of leaving someone or something without intending to return. It implies a deliberate decision to leave, often in a difficult or uncomfortable situation.

  • Examples:

    • "Don't abandon your friends in need." (Commanding someone to not leave)
    • "The colonists abandoned their ship and built a new life inland." (They chose to leave the ship)
    • "The dog abandoned its owner during the evacuation." (The dog chose to leave the owner)
    • "He abandoned all hope of rescue." (He ceased to have hope)

4. Figurative Usage:

  • Meaning: “Abandoned” can be used figuratively to describe a feeling or state, such as feeling lonely, forgotten, or giving up on something.

  • Examples:

    • “He felt abandoned by the company after the merger.” (He felt ignored and unsupported)
    • "She felt abandoned by her ideals after the betrayal." (She felt disillusioned and disillusioned)
    • “The project was abandoned due to lack of funding.” (The project was stopped – figuratively, it's like it was left unfinished)

Key Points to Remember:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of “abandoned” depends heavily on how it’s used in a sentence.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider synonyms like: deserted, neglected, forsaken, left, relinquished.

Resources for More Examples and Practice:

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  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., creative writing, academic writing, casual conversation)
  • Are there any specific sentences you’re struggling to use the word in?

Synonyms for the word abandoned

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