What is agree? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of agree

agreeverb

/əˈɡriː/
Definition & pronunciation of agree

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

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "A" sound: The first sound is like the "a" in "father" or "car." It's a long "a" sound.
  • "g" sound: The "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" (like in "go").
  • "ee" sound: The final "ee" sound is like the "ee" in "see" or "tree."

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced: ** /ˈiːɡriː/ **

Let's break that phonetic spelling down:

  • ˈiː - This represents the long "ee" sound (as in "see"). The prime symbol (ˈ) indicates that this syllable is the stressed syllable - it's the part you emphasize when you say the word.
  • ɡ - This is the hard "g" sound.
  • riː – This is the long "ee" sound again.

3. Tips for Saying it Correctly:

  • Stress: Make sure you emphasize the first syllable ("ee"). Don't say it like "ag-REE."

  • Smooth Transition: The key is to transition smoothly from the "ee" sound to the "g" sound.

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear how native English speakers pronounce it. Here are some resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "agree" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/agree/ - This website allows you to hear how native speakers from different countries pronounce the word.
    • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce agree" – you'll find many videos with audio examples.

To summarize, it's "EE-gree" with emphasis on the first syllable.

Would you like me to:

  • Record an example pronunciation (if possible)?
  • Give you a similar word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word agree in English

Let's break down how to use the word "agree" in English. It's a super common word with many different ways to use it! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Basic Agreement (Sharing an Opinion)

  • Meaning: To have the same opinion or belief as someone else.
  • How to use it: Often used with phrases like "I agree with you," "I agree that..."
  • Examples:
    • “Do you think it’s a good idea to go to the beach?” “I agree.”
    • “I agree that we need to be more organized.”
    • “She agrees with the teacher about the assignment.”

2. Formal Agreement (Formal Consent or Acceptance)

  • Meaning: To formally accept a proposal, plan, or decision. This is more common in business, legal, and official contexts.
  • How to use it: Often used with phrases like “We agree to…” , “We hereby agree…”
  • Examples:
    • “The company agreed to the new terms of the contract.” (Formal acceptance)
    • “We agree to start the project next week.” (Formal commitment)
    • “The council agreed to fund the community center.”

3. Agreement as a Verb (To Say You're Okay)

  • Meaning: To say you're willing to do something or accept a suggestion.
  • How to use it: Often used with phrases like “I agree to…”
  • Examples:
    • “Can I borrow your pen?” “I agree to lend it to you.”
    • “Let’s meet at 7 pm.” “I agree.”
    • “Would you like to go for a walk?” “I agree, that sounds lovely.”

4. Agreement as a Noun (The State of Sharing an Opinion)

  • Meaning: The fact or state of agreeing.
  • How to use it: Used to describe the situation where people share an opinion.
  • Examples:
    • “There was a complete agreement on the issue.” (Referring to the fact that everyone agreed)
    • “We reached a swift agreement about the budget.”

5. "Agree with" vs. "Agree to" – A Key Distinction

  • "Agree with": This means you share the opinion of someone else. (Focuses on the idea)

  • "Agree to": This means you accept a plan, proposal, or request. (Focuses on an action).

    Example:

    • "I agree with your suggestion about painting the room blue." (I share your opinion)
    • "I agree to help you move this weekend." (I accept your request)

6. Variations & Related Words

  • Agreeable: Pleasant, agreeable (describing a person or situation). “She’s an agreeable person.”
  • Agreement: (noun) A formal arrangement or understanding.
  • To concur: To agree, especially formally. (More formal than "agree")
  • To consent: To agree to do something, often implying a willingness.

Tips for Using "Agree" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the situation to understand which meaning of "agree" is intended.
  • Combine with phrases: Using phrases like "I agree with...", "We agree to...", or "I agree that..." makes your sentences clearer.
  • Consider formality: Use "agree" in its most formal sense (e.g., “We agree to…”) in professional or official contexts.

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you using "agree" in? (e.g., casual conversation, writing an email, giving a presentation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you want to use "agree"?

Synonyms for the word agree

Idioms of the word agree

agree to differ/disagree
if two people agree to differ/disagree, they accept that they have different opinions about something, but they decide not to discuss it any longer
  • We must just agree to differ on this.
  • In the end we agreed to disagree.
  • I think you're wrong. Let's just agree to differ.

Comment ()