What is board? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of board

boardnoun

/bɔːd/
Definition & pronunciation of board

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

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /bɔːrd/ (British English) - This is how it's pronounced in the UK.

    • bɔː - This is a long "o" sound, similar to the "o" in "bore" or "door." It's a slightly rounded vowel.
    • rd - This is pronounced as a single sound, like the "r" in "red" (a quick tap of the tongue) followed by a "d" sound.

The pronunciation in American English is slightly different:

  • /bɔrd/ (American English) – This is the dominant pronunciation in the US.

    • bɔ - Again, the long "o" sound.
    • rd - Similar to British, a single "r-d" sound.

Here’s a simpler breakdown to help you:

  1. Start with the "b" sound: Like in "ball."
  2. Say the long "o" sound: Imagine you’re saying "bore" or "door."
  3. Add a quick tap of the tongue for the "r": Like in "red."
  4. Finish with a soft "d" sound: Not a hard "d" like in "dog."

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Translate: Type "board" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/board/ – This website allows you to hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.

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

  • Where are you learning English? (e.g., UK, USA, Australia, etc.) This will help me clarify which pronunciation is most relevant for you.

Usage and examples with the word board in English

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

1. Physical Boards (Solid Objects)

  • Definition: A flat piece of material, often wood, used for construction, furniture, or other purposes.
  • Examples:
    • "He built a board for his surfboard."
    • "The furniture was made of solid oak boards."
    • "We need to replace the rotting board on the window."

2. A Meeting Group (Organizations)

  • Definition: A group of people responsible for governing or managing an organization.
  • Types and Examples:
    • Company Board: “The CEO presented his strategy to the board of directors.” (The group that makes important decisions for the company)
    • School Board: "The school board voted to approve the new curriculum." (The group that manages a school district)
    • Board of Trustees: "The university is governed by a board of trustees." (Similar to a company board, overseeing an institution)
    • Governing Board: A general term for the group in charge.

3. Games & Activities

  • Definition: A surface on which a game is played; a game itself.
  • Examples:
    • "They played checkers on a wooden board."
    • "He’s obsessed with chess board sets."
    • "Monopoly is a board game."
    • "We played a board game last night."

4. A Section or Level (Specifically in buildings)

  • Definition: A level or section of a building.
  • Examples:
    • "We're on the second board of this apartment building." (meaning floor)
    • "The reception is on the ground board." (meaning ground floor)

5. To Ride (on a board)

  • Definition: To move across a surface on a board.
  • Examples:
    • "She likes to board her skateboard down the street."
    • "The surfer boarded the wave with skill."
    • "He was boarding the train." (getting on the train)

6. To Feel Bored (Idiomatic)

  • Definition: To feel uninterested or restless. (This is a common idiom.)
  • Examples:
    • "I was board during the long meeting." (meaning bored)
    • "He felt board and started to browse the internet."
    • "She’s board of waiting." (meaning impatient)

7. To Record or Document (Less Common)

  • Definition: To make a record of something.
  • Example: “The meeting minutes were boarded into the company records.” (recorded)

Here's a table summarizing the main uses:

Meaning Example
Physical Board "He built a board for his surfboard."
Meeting Group "The board of directors met today."
Game Board "They played chess on a board."
Level in a Building "We're on the second board."
Ride on a Board “She boarded her skateboard.”
Feeling Bored “I was board during the meeting.”
Record/Document “The minutes were boarded.”

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What are you trying to use the word "board" in? (e.g., a sentence, a story, a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word board

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