What is attitude? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of attitude

attitudenoun

/ˈatɪtjuːd/
Definition & pronunciation of attitude

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "attitude" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈætɪˌtjuːd/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "at": Pronounced like the word "at" – as in, “at the store.”
  2. "i": Pronounced like the letter "i" – short and quick.
  3. "tū": This is the tricky part. It’s pronounced like “too,” but with a shorter “oo” sound, almost like “tut.” It’s a dipthong, meaning it blends two sounds together. Think of it as a slightly more clipped "too" than you would say in everyday conversation.
  4. "d": Pronounced as a regular "d."

Putting it together, it sounds roughly like: "Ah-tih-tud" (with that short "oo" in the middle)

Here are some tips:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word with a similar sound?

Usage and examples with the word attitude in English

Let's break down how to use the word "attitude" in English. It's a very versatile word with a lot of nuances!

1. Basic Definition:

  • Core Meaning: "Attitude" refers to a person's way of thinking or feeling about something. It’s essentially their mindset or disposition.

2. Common Ways to Use "Attitude":

  • Describing a Person's Overall Character:

    • “She has a positive attitude towards life.” (Meaning she’s optimistic and cheerful)
    • “He has a negative attitude about work.” (Meaning he’s complaining, cynical, or resistant)
    • “Despite the challenges, she maintained a determined attitude.” (Meaning she was resolute and didn't give up)
    • "He’s got a really chill attitude." (Meaning he's relaxed and easygoing)

  • Referring to a Specific Situation or Event:

    • “The team displayed a professional attitude during the crisis.” (Meaning they acted competently and calmly)
    • “The audience had a critical attitude towards the performance.” (Meaning they were judging harshly)
    • "Their hostile attitude towards newcomers was unsettling." (Meaning they were unfriendly and unwelcoming)

  • Expressing How You Feel About Something:

    • “I’m adopting a more optimistic attitude about my job search.” (Meaning you’re trying to be more hopeful)
    • "I need to change my attitude towards exercise.” (Meaning you need to shift your mindset about it)

  • As a Noun (the feeling itself):

    • “Her attitude is the key to her success.” (Meaning her mindset is important)
    • "Don't let your attitude ruin the party." (Meaning don't be grumpy or unpleasant)

  • As a Verb (to behave in a certain way):

    • "He’s acting with a negative attitude." (Meaning he's exhibiting a bad disposition)
    • "Try to adopt an attitude of gratitude." (Meaning try to be thankful)

3. Key Adjectives Often Used with "Attitude":

  • Positive: optimistic, cheerful, friendly, helpful, enthusiastic, agreeable
  • Negative: pessimistic, cynical, angry, hostile, rude, unpleasant, critical, dismissive
  • Neutral: calm, reserved, serious, professional, polite

4. Examples in Sentences:

  • “His attitude was crucial to the team's success.”
  • “She approached the situation with a constructive attitude.”
  • “Don't take his attitude personally; he's just stressed.”
  • “A bad attitude can be contagious.”
  • “It's important to have a good attitude towards learning.”

5. Figurative Usage:

Sometimes “attitude” can be used more figuratively to describe a particular approach or style.

  • "She has a very avant-garde attitude towards fashion." (Meaning she has a unique and unconventional style)

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you trying to use "attitude" in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word attitude

Idioms of the word attitude

strike a pose/an attitude
(figurative)to hold your body in a particular way to create a particular impression
  • to strike a dramatic pose
  • He strikes an attitude of bravery and lonely defiance.

Practice with vocabulary attitude

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Her positive _________ towards challenges made her a great leader.
  2. The manager’s decision was based on facts, not on personal _________.
  3. Success often depends on having the right mindset and _________.
  4. The team’s _________ was reflected in their willingness to collaborate.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes a person’s outlook or disposition?
    a) Attitude
    b) Behavior
    c) Perspective
    d) Emotion

  2. A good _________ is essential for building strong relationships.
    a) Relationship
    b) Communication
    c) Attitude
    d) Skill

  3. The teacher praised the student’s _________ towards learning.
    a) Effort
    b) Attitude
    c) Knowledge
    d) Performance

  4. Which word is NOT related to someone’s way of thinking?
    a) Belief
    b) Opinion
    c) Action
    d) Attitude

  5. A negative _________ can hinder teamwork and productivity.
    a) Attitude
    b) Behavior
    c) Environment
    d) Approach

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She has a very optimistic view of life.
    Rewrite: She has a very positive attitude towards life.

  2. Original: His behavior in meetings is always professional.
    Rewrite: His attitude in meetings is always professional.

  3. Original: The employee’s approach to problems is very creative.
    Rewrite: The employee’s mindset towards problems is very creative.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. attitude
  2. bias
  3. attitude
  4. behavior

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Attitude
  2. c) Attitude
  3. b) Attitude
  4. c) Action
  5. a) Attitude

Exercise 3:

  1. She has a very positive attitude towards life.
  2. His attitude in meetings is always professional.
  3. The employee’s mindset towards problems is very creative.

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