What is career? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of career

careernoun

/kəˈrɪə/
Definition & pronunciation of career

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "career" in English. Here's a breakdown with different approaches:

Most Common & Generally Accepted Pronunciation:

  • ˈkɛərɪər (This is the most widely understood and used pronunciation)

    • ˈkɛər: This part sounds like "care" - as in, "I care about you." The emphasis is on this first syllable.
    • ɪər: This is a short "ih" sound, almost like the "i" in "bit." It's a common English suffix.

Slightly More British Pronunciation:

  • ˈkerɪər (This is more common in British English)

    • ˈker: Sounds very similar to "car."
    • ɪər: Same as above – short "ih" sound.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • "care": /kɛər/
  • "ih": /ɪ/
  • "er": /ər/

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • Focus on a specific regional accent (e.g., American, British)?

Usage and examples with the word career in English

Let's break down how to use the word "career" effectively in English. It’s a versatile word with a specific meaning that's often misunderstood.

1. Basic Definition:

At its core, a "career" refers to a long-term series of jobs or professions that a person undertakes. It's more than just a single job; it’s the overall progression of your work life.

2. How to Use It - Different Ways:

Here’s how you can use “career” in various contexts:

  • Describing a Path: "She's built a successful career in medicine." (Focuses on the overall achievement and trajectory)
  • Talking about Goals: "He’s focused on developing his career as a software engineer." (Highlights aspirations and future plans)
  • Discussing Changes: "I decided to make a change of career after 20 years in accounting." (Indicates a significant shift)
  • Considering Options: "What’s your long-term career plan?" (Asks about future aspirations)
  • Referring to a Specific Profession: "Law is a demanding but rewarding career." (Treats “career” like a noun, referring to the profession itself)
  • Using it as an Adjective: "She has a stable career." (Describes the nature of someone's work life - suggesting it's predictable and reliable)

3. Key Differences: "Career" vs. "Job"

This is crucial. Don't use "career" interchangeably with “job.”

  • Job: A specific, temporary position you hold. It’s something you do.

  • Career: A longer-term, progressive path involving multiple jobs and experiences. It’s how you build your work life.

    Example: "I have a job as a barista." (One specific position) Example: "She's had a varied career in the arts, starting as a painter and moving into teaching." (A progression of roles)

4. Phrases and Idioms:

  • Career path: (noun) – The route you take through your professional life. "He’s following a promising career path in finance."
  • Career change: (noun) - Switching to a new profession. "She decided to have a career change after being unhappy in her previous role."
  • Advance your career: (phrase) - To improve your position and skills within your profession. “I’m taking courses to advance my career.”
  • Pursue a career: (phrase) – To try to develop or achieve something in your professional life. “He’s pursuing a career in journalism.”

5. Examples in Sentences:

  • "He’s dedicated his career to helping underprivileged children."
  • "Many people find that a career change is necessary to find fulfillment."
  • "Her career has been marked by innovation and leadership."
  • “To build a successful career, you need to continuously learn and adapt.”

6. Tone and Formality:

“Career” is generally a fairly formal word. You'll hear it used frequently in business settings, education, and professional discussions. It’s often appropriate for written communication (emails, resumes, reports) and formal conversations.

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

  • What are you trying to say specifically when you want to use the word “career”? (e.g., "I'm writing a cover letter," "I'm explaining my work history to a friend," "I’m trying to understand a business article.")

Synonyms for the word career

Practice with vocabulary career

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She dedicated her entire working life to education, building an impressive __________ as a university professor.
  2. After extensive training, he decided to pursue a __________ in software development.
  3. For many, becoming a surgeon is not just a job, but a lifelong __________ requiring immense dedication.
  4. The company offers various opportunities for professional development and secure __________ within its structure.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following terms best describes a person's long-term professional journey, often involving a series of jobs and promotions? A) Task B) Project C) Career D) Gig

  2. To describe a sustained and progressive professional journey in a particular field, which of these words is/are most appropriate? A) Hobby B) Career C) Stint D) Profession

  3. Choosing a fulfilling __________ is a significant life decision for many individuals. A) chore B) career C) duty D) assignment

  4. Which term refers to the specific work an individual does for a living, often requiring specialized training and a license? A) Enterprise B) Profession C) Employment D) Trade

  5. Identify the term(s) that describe the state of being employed or engaged in paid work. A) Vocation B) Occupation C) Unemployment D) Employment

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her professional path in marketing spanned over two decades, marked by consistent advancements and leadership roles. (Rewrite the sentence using "career" or a related word form.)

  2. The opportunity to advance through various roles within the company was a major factor in his decision to accept the position. (Rewrite the sentence using "career" or a related word form.)

  3. She found her true calling when she became a teacher, dedicating herself to educating young minds. (Rewrite the sentence without using "career", but using a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. career
  2. career
  3. vocation
  4. employment

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Career
  2. B) Career, D) Profession
  3. B) career
  4. B) Profession, D) Trade
  5. B) Occupation, D) Employment

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her marketing career spanned over two decades, marked by consistent advancements and leadership roles.
  2. The opportunity for career advancement within the company was a major factor in his decision to accept the position.
  3. She found her true vocation when she became a teacher, dedicating herself to educating young minds.

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