What is bound? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of bound

boundverb

/baʊnd/
Definition & pronunciation of bound

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bound." It can be a tricky one for learners! Here’s a breakdown, with a few variations:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (and what most people think of):

  • ˈbaʊnd (rhymes with “found”)
    • ˈbaʊ – The first syllable is pronounced like "bow" (as in "bow tie"). The stress is on this first syllable.
    • nd – The "nd" is pronounced as a single sound, like "n" followed immediately by "d".

2. A Slightly More Formal/Traditional Pronunciation:

  • baʊnd (rhymes with “sound”)
    • This is closer to the older, more traditionally-taught pronunciation. It’s still perfectly correct, but you’ll hear it less frequently now.

Here’s a handy breakdown of the sounds:

  • "b": A regular "b" sound (like in "ball")
  • "ou": The "ou" sound is a little tricky. It’s not like the "ou" in "out.” It’s closer to the "ow" sound in “cow.” Think of it as a short, rounded "o" sound.
  • "nd": As mentioned above, “n” followed right after “d”.

Resources to Listen:

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

  • In what context are you hearing/using the word? (e.g., in a sentence, a book, a conversation?)

Usage and examples with the word bound in English

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

1. Bound (As a Verb - Meaning "To Be Obliged"):

  • Core Meaning: This is the most common usage. It means to be compelled or obligated to do something, often by a rule, agreement, or promise.

    • Example: “I’m bound to tell the truth.” (I’m obligated to tell the truth.)
    • Example: “She was bound by contract to deliver the goods by Friday.” (She was obligated by the contract.)
    • Example: "He was bound to lose the race; he hadn’t trained." (He was destined to lose, obligated by his lack of preparation.)

  • Phrases:

    • Bound to: “He’s bound to succeed if he works hard.” (He’s destined to succeed, likely due to his efforts.)
    • Bound by: "The company is bound by ethical guidelines." (The company is obligated by these guidelines.)

2. Bound (As an Adjective - Meaning "Fixed or Restricted"):

  • Core Meaning: Describes something that’s fixed in position, direction, or movement; restricted.

    • Example: “The book was bound in leather.” (The book was fastened with leather.)
    • Example: “The prisoner was bound to the chair.” (The prisoner was tied to the chair.)
    • Example: "The ship was bound for London." (The ship’s destination was London.)

  • Related Adjective: “Boundless” – implying unlimited or without limits.

3. Bound (As a Verb - Meaning “To Approach Quickly” – Often with “Up”):

  • Common Usage: This describes a sudden and rapid approach, often involving animals. It's frequently used to describe animals moving swiftly.

    • Example: “The dog was bound towards the ball.” (The dog quickly ran towards the ball.)
    • Example: “The deer bound across the field.” (The deer quickly jumped across the field.)
    • Example: “The falcon bound upwards.” (The falcon rapidly ascended.)

  • Note: Often used with “up” – “bound up”

4. Bound (As Part of a Compound Word - "Boundaries"):

  • Boundaries: This is a fixed limit or extent.
    • Example: “The city limits are clearly bound by these roads.”

5. Bound (In Physics - "Bound"):

  • Physics: In physics, "bound" refers to a state where an object is held in place by forces (like gravity or electrostatic forces). This is a more technical usage.

Tips for Understanding and Using "Bound":

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "bound" always depends on the context of the sentence.
  • Pay attention to the surrounding words: Words like “to,” “by,” “towards,” and “in” will often give you clues about the intended meaning.

Resources for Further Exploration:

Can you give me an example sentence you’d like me to analyze, or are you interested in a specific aspect of how to use "bound"?

Synonyms for the word bound

Idioms of the word bound

be bound together by/in something
to be closely connected
  • communities bound together by customs and traditions
be bound up in something
very busy with something; very interested or involved in something
  • He's too bound up in his work to have much time for his children.
bound and determined
(North American English)very determined to do something
  • I came here bound and determined to put the last 12 months behind me.
bound up with something
closely connected with something
  • From that moment my life became inextricably bound up with hers.
(feel) honour-bound to do something
(formal)to feel that you must do something because of your sense of moral duty
  • She felt honour-bound to attend as she had promised to.
  • He felt honour bound to help her.
I’ll be bound
(old-fashioned, British English, informal)I feel sure
  • They’re up to some mischief, I’ll be bound!

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