What is alarm? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of alarm

alarmnoun

/əˈlɑːm/
Definition & pronunciation of alarm

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "alarm" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈæləm/ (rhymes with "palm")

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • al - Pronounced like the beginning of "apple" (duh)
  • -m - Pronounced like the letter "m" itself.

So, you're saying "al-um."

Here's a more detailed breakdown with sounds:

  1. "al": Sounds like the "al" in "apple." (ah-l)
  2. "m": A simple "m" sound. (m)

Resources to hear it:

Do you want me to:

  • Say the word slowly?
  • Give you some similar-sounding words to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word alarm in English

Let's break down how to use the word "alarm" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Device (Most Common)

  • Definition: A device that makes a loud sound to warn you of something important.
  • Examples:
    • "I set my alarm for 6:00 AM." (To wake you up)
    • "The smoke alarm went off." (Indicates a fire hazard)
    • "He always checks the alarm on his watch." (A watch alarm)
    • "The car's alarm system was triggered by the break-in."

2. As a Warning or Cause for Concern

  • Definition: Something that signals a problem, danger, or potential threat. It can be a feeling, a situation, or an event.
  • Examples:
    • "I had a bad alarm that something was about to happen." (A feeling of foreboding)
    • "The rising cost of living is a serious alarm for economists." (A cause for concern)
    • "Recent health statistics are an alarm about the spread of disease."
    • “The boss’s tone was an alarm bell to everyone in the room.” (Signal of trouble)

3. As a Signal of Distress (More Formal)

  • Definition: A signal used to call for help, especially in the sea or air. (Often used in nautical and aviation contexts)
  • Examples:
    • "The ship sent out an alarm signal."
    • "The plane issued a distress alarm."

4. Figurative Usage (Less Common, but important)

  • Definition: To alert or warn someone, often abruptly.
  • Examples:
    • “The news alarmed him greatly.” (Caused him to feel alarmed)
    • “The unexpected arrival alarmed the children.” (Startled the children)

Key Phrases and Variations:

  • Set the alarm: (To activate an alarm clock)
  • False alarm: (A mistaken warning; something that seemed like a problem but wasn't) - "It was a false alarm; there was no fire."
  • Sound the alarm: (To activate an alarm, to warn) – “The guards sounded the alarm.”
  • Give the alarm: (Similar to "sound the alarm") – “She gave the alarm when she saw the thief.”

Tips for Understanding the Context:

  • Look at the surrounding words: The words around "alarm" will often give you a clue to its meaning.
  • Consider the situation: Is it about a time, a danger, or a warning?

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

  • In what kind of context are you trying to use "alarm"? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, studying for a test?)

Synonyms for the word alarm

Idioms of the word alarm

alarm bells ring/are ringing
if you say that alarm bells are ringing, you mean that people are starting to feel worried and to suspect that something is wrong
  • The government’s proposal has set alarm bells ringing for people on low incomes.

Practice with vocabulary alarm

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The loud _________ woke everyone in the building at dawn.
  2. She always keeps her phone on silent to avoid unnecessary interruptions or an unexpected _________.
  3. The teacher expressed her _________ about the students' lack of preparation for the exam.
  4. After hearing the news, he felt a sense of _________ and immediately called his family.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What can describe a device that makes a loud sound to signal danger?
    a) Alarm
    b) Whisper
    c) Echo
    d) Murmur
  2. Which word best fits this sentence: "The security system triggered a loud _________ when the door was forced open."
    a) Siren
    b) Alarm
    c) Bell
    d) Silence
  3. What is a synonym for "alarm" in the context of a warning sound?
    a) Alert
    b) Panic
    c) Signal
    d) Calm
  4. Which word is NOT related to a sense of fear or urgency?
    a) Worry
    b) Anxiety
    c) Alarm
    d) Relaxation
  5. What could replace "alarm" in the sentence: "The sudden noise filled her with _________."
    a) Concern
    b) Alert
    c) Silence
    d) Peace

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "The loud noise scared the children."
    Rewrite: "The loud _________ startled the children."
  2. Original: "He felt worried when he heard the news."
    Rewrite: "He felt a sense of _________ when he heard the news."
  3. Original: "The fire _________ alerted everyone to evacuate the building."
    Rewrite: "The fire siren urged everyone to evacuate the building."

Answers:

Exercise 1:

  1. alarm
  2. alarm
  3. concern / worry
  4. panic / anxiety

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Alarm
  2. b) Alarm
  3. a) Alert, c) Signal
  4. d) Relaxation
  5. a) Concern

Exercise 3:

  1. "The loud alarm startled the children."
  2. "He felt a sense of alarm when he heard the news."
  3. "The fire siren urged everyone to evacuate the building."

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