What is bribe? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of bribe

bribenoun

/braɪb//braɪb/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bribe." Here's a breakdown and some tips:

Correct Pronunciation:

  • ˈbraɪb (rhymes with "drive")

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • "bri": This part is pronounced like the word "bree" (as in, "a breezy day"). The "i" sound is a short "i" as in "bit."
  • "be": This is pronounced like the word "bee," with a short "e" sound.
  • "b": The "b" is a standard "b" sound.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable: /ˈbraɪb/.
  • Don't say "br-ee-be." It's not a three-syllable word.
  • Think "drive." This is a helpful rhyme to remember.

Resources for hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word bribe in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bribe" in English. It’s a word with a strong connotation, so it's important to use it carefully.

1. Basic Definition:

  • To bribe someone is to offer them something (usually money) in exchange for doing something they should not do, or for giving someone else an advantage. It’s essentially an attempt to corrupt someone's judgment or decision.

2. Parts of a Sentence & Examples:

  • Giving a bribe: "He was accused of bribing the customs official to overlook the illegal goods."
  • Receiving a bribe: "The police officer was arrested for accepting a bribe to turn a blind eye to speeding drivers."
  • The act of bribing: "Bribing officials is a serious crime."
  • A bribe itself: "The detective discovered a stack of cash – a clear bribe."
  • Using a bribe: "She used a bribe to get the project approved."

3. Different Shades of Meaning/Contexts:

  • Formal/Legal: This is the most common and serious usage. It almost always involves money being offered to influence a decision. (e.g., "Corruption is fuelled by bribery.")
  • Informal/Figurative (Less Common): Sometimes, “bribe” is used more loosely to mean “to tempt” or “to entice” with something pleasant, but this is less common and can sound awkward.
    • Example: "A free dessert was a little bribe to get him to finish his vegetables." (Here, it’s more about incentivizing, not necessarily corrupting.)

4. Synonyms (to show alternatives):

  • Corrupt: This is often the closest synonym.
  • Grease: (Very informal) – “He greased the wheels” (meaning he used influence or favors)
  • Influence: (More neutral) – "He influenced the decision with a generous donation."
  • Reward: (If the intention isn't malicious - e.g., a small incentive)
  • Induce: (To bring about a result through persuasion)

5. Important Considerations & Tone:

  • Negative Connotation: “Bribe” carries a very negative implication. It suggests wrongdoing and dishonesty.
  • Formal Language: It's generally a more formal word than "incentive" or "reward."
  • Be Careful with Figurative Use: If you're not sure about using "bribe" figuratively, it's often better to choose a different word that clearly conveys your meaning.

6. Common Phrases:

  • Take a bribe: (To accept a bribe)
  • Offer a bribe: (To give a bribe)
  • Bribery and corruption: (The overall problem)

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What is the context of the sentence where you're considering using "bribe"?

Synonyms for the word bribe

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