What is chamber? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of chamber

chambernoun

/ˈtʃeɪmbə/
Definition & pronunciation of chamber

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "chamber." It can be a little tricky! Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put them together:

1. Syllables:

"Chamber" is typically pronounced in two syllables:

  • cham - (like "ham" but with a "ch" at the beginning)
  • ber - (like "ber" as in "berry")

2. Sounds:

  • "Cham":

    • ch: This is a voiceless velar fricative. It's a sound that isn't easily described, but it's similar to the "ch" in "church" or "Bach." It's a brief, airy sound.
    • ah: This is the "a" sound as in "father" or "car." Keep it open.

  • "Ber":

    • b: A clear "b" sound.
    • er: This is a schwa sound (ə), which is a very short, relaxed "uh" sound. It's like the "a" in "about." It's very lightly pronounced.

3. Putting it together:

Say it slowly at first: "Cham-ber"

4. Important Notes & Tips:

  • Don't overemphasize the "ber." The schwa sound is very subtle. It’s almost like the syllable is barely there.
  • Avoid a hard "br" sound. “Ber” isn't a “br” sound.

Resources for Hearing it:

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  • Are you learning English as a second language?
  • Have you heard it pronounced in a particular accent (e.g., American, British)?

Usage and examples with the word chamber in English

Let's break down how to use the word "chamber" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several distinct meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Chambers (Rooms & Spaces):

  • Definition: A room or enclosed space, often one with a specific purpose.
  • Examples:
    • "The king resided in a grand chamber within the castle." (A large, luxurious room)
    • "The research team worked in a small chamber dedicated to studying rare insects." (A specialized room)
    • "The engine room housed a complex network of chambers for fuel and air.” (Engine compartments)
    • "A pharmaceutical chamber is a room kept at a constant low temperature." (Temperature controlled space)

2. Biological Chambers (Internal Organs):

  • Definition: A specific compartment within an animal’s body, particularly referring to the heart or lungs.
  • Examples:
    • “The left ventricle is a chamber of the heart that pumps oxygenated blood to the body.” (A specific part of the heart)
    • “The bronchioles are tiny air chambers within the lungs.” (Small passages in the lungs)
    • “The stomach is a chamber that digests food.” (Another bodily chamber)

3. Figurative Chambers (Abstract Concepts & Groups):

  • Definition: This is where "chamber" gets really interesting. It can refer to a group of people who think alike, often with a certain political or social leaning. It suggests an enclosed, potentially exclusive, community.
  • Examples:
    • "The literary chamber of the 19th century was dominated by male novelists." (A group of male novelists)
    • "The political chamber was divided over the new legislation.” (A group of politicians)
    • "He felt he was trapped in a chamber of his own making, surrounded by pessimistic friends." (A metaphorical group representing negativity)
    • "The chamber of opinion strongly favored the proposed changes." (A group of people with a shared viewpoint).

4. Legal/Formal Chambers:

  • Definition: In legal contexts, a "chamber" can refer to a small, private office within a courtroom or law office used by a judge or lawyer.
  • Example: “The judge retreated to his chamber to consider the ruling.”

Key Tips for Using "Chamber":

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of “chamber” is almost always determined by the context in which it's used.
  • Formal Tone: "Chamber" tends to sound a bit more formal or literary than words like “room” or “compartment”.
  • Figurative Use: Be mindful of the figurative meaning – it’s often used to describe groups with shared beliefs.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • In what kind of writing/conversation are you planning to use the word "chamber"? (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, casual conversation?)

Synonyms for the word chamber

Practice with vocabulary chamber

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The king entered the grand _______ to address his advisors.
  2. The musician tuned his violin in the small practice _______.
  3. The scientist conducted the experiment in a sealed ________ to ensure accuracy.
  4. The committee gathered in the meeting _______ to discuss the new policy.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Where does a monarch traditionally hold official meetings?
    a) chamber
    b) garden
    c) cathedral
    d) kitchen
  2. Which of the following is a synonym for a small enclosed space?
    a) corridor
    b) chamber
    c) balcony
    d) courtyard
  3. In which of these places would you likely find a legislative assembly?
    a) theater
    b) chamber
    c) library
    d) stadium
  4. What is another word for a large hall used for formal events?
    a) auditorium
    b) chamber
    c) attic
    d) basement
  5. Which term refers to a part of a gun?
    a) barrel
    b) trigger
    c) chamber
    d) sight

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The meeting took place in a large, elegant room.
  2. The artist worked in a small, isolated studio to focus on her painting.
  3. The musicians rehearsed in the hall before the concert.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. chamber
  2. chamber
  3. chamber
  4. room

Exercise 2:

  1. a) chamber
  2. b) chamber
  3. b) chamber
  4. a) auditorium
  5. c) chamber

Exercise 3:

  1. The meeting took place in a large, elegant chamber.
  2. The artist worked in a small, isolated chamber to focus on her painting.
  3. The musicians rehearsed in the auditorium before the concert.

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