What is comfortable? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of comfortable

comfortableadjective

/ˈkʌmf(ə)təbl/
Definition & pronunciation of comfortable

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "comfortable" in English. It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. Segmenting the Word:

  • Com- (like "comb") - This is a relatively simple sound.
  • -for- (like "for") - A common vowel sound.
  • -table (the tricky part!) – This is where most people stumble.

2. Breaking Down "-table":

  • tab – Say it quickly, like "tab" as in a piece of cardboard. It’s a short, unstressed “a” sound.
  • -le – This is a soft “l” sound, almost like a “w” sound in some accents (especially British). It’s very brief.

3. Putting it Together:

  • Com (comb)
  • For (for)
  • Tab-le (tab-uhl) – Very quickly The "a" in "tab" blends into the "l" in "le." It's almost one continuous sound.

Putting it all together, it should sound like: “Kuhm-for-tab-uhl”

Tips and Nuances:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: “com-for-table”.
  • Speed: It's important to say the "-table" part quickly. Don't pause on “table.”
  • American vs. British: British pronunciation often has a slightly more pronounced "l" sound in "-table." American pronunciation tends to blend the "a" and "l" together a bit more.

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce comfortable" on Google and click the speaker icon next to the audio.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/comfortable/ – This website provides pronunciations from native speakers from various regions.

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • What accent are you trying to emulate? (e.g., American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word comfortable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "comfortable" in English. It's a very versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. Basic Meaning: Feeling at Ease & Relaxed

  • Most Common Usage: "Comfortable" generally describes a state of physical or mental ease, relaxation, and contentment.

    • Example: "I'm feeling really comfortable in this armchair." (Physical comfort - the chair is good to sit in)
    • Example: "She was comfortable after a long day at work." (Mental comfort - she feels relaxed)
    • Example: “The room was decorated in a comfortable way, with soft lighting and cozy blankets.”

2. Describing Clothes & Shoes

  • Clothing: When talking about clothing, "comfortable" means easy to wear and not restrictive.

    • Example: "This sweater is so comfortable – I could wear it all day."
    • Example: "I need some comfortable shoes for walking." (Meaning: easy to walk in)

3. Describing a Place (Rooms, Environments)

  • You can use it to describe the atmosphere of a space.

    • Example: "The hotel room was surprisingly comfortable." (meaning: the bed was good, it was quiet, etc.)
    • Example: “This is a comfortable restaurant; it's not too formal.”

4. Describing People (Their Disposition)

  • “Comfortable” can also describe someone's personality – someone who is relaxed, easygoing, and doesn't cause problems.

    • Example: "He's a really comfortable friend – you can talk to him about anything." (Meaning: he's easy to talk to and doesn’t judge)
    • Example: "She's a comfortable leader; she doesn't demand too much." (Meaning: she's not difficult to work with)

5. Adjectives Created From "Comfortable"

  • Comfortable (adjective): As we've covered extensively.

  • Comfortableness (noun): Refers to the state of being comfortable.

    • Example: "The comfortableness of the bed was the best part of the vacation."

6. Phrases Using "Comfortable"

  • "Comfortable with..." – Means feeling at ease or familiar with something.

    • Example: "I'm comfortable with public speaking now." (meaning: I'm not nervous about it)
    • Example: “Are you comfortable with this new software?”

  • "Not comfortable with..." – Means feeling awkward or uneasy.

    • Example: "I'm not comfortable with being the center of attention."

Tips for Using "Comfortable" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "comfortable" depends on the situation. Pay attention to what you're describing.
  • Combine with Details: To make your description more vivid, add details. Instead of just saying "It's comfortable," say "It's comfortable and warm, with a fluffy blanket and a soft pillow."
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like relaxed, cozy, pleasant, easy, or agreeable to vary your language.

Could you give me a sentence you'd like me to analyze, or perhaps a situation where you're unsure how to use "comfortable"? I can then give you a more specific example.

Synonyms for the word comfortable

Practice with vocabulary comfortable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She felt ________ in her new office chair, which was ergonomically designed.
  2. The price of the product is quite ________ for its quality and features.
  3. After a long day, he found the sofa extremely ________ to relax on.
  4. The hotel room was ________, but the view from the window was breathtaking.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Select the word that best describes a feeling of ease and relaxation:
    a) comfortable
    b) stressed
    c) uneasy
    d) hectic

  2. Choose the word(s) that fit the sentence: "The shoes are ________ for walking long distances."
    a) cozy
    b) comfortable
    c) painful
    d) sturdy

  3. Which word does NOT mean the same as "comfortable"?
    a) relaxed
    b) content
    c) awkward
    d) at ease

  4. Select the word that best fits the sentence: "The negotiation process was ________ and productive."
    a) smooth
    b) comfortable
    c) challenging
    d) stressful

  5. Which word(s) describe a pleasant physical state?
    a) cozy
    b) comfortable
    c) rigid
    d) cramped

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The temperature in the room was perfect for sleeping.
    Rewritten: The room was ________ for sleeping.

  2. Original: She was at ease during the presentation.
    Rewritten: She felt ________ during the presentation.

  3. Original: The flight was smooth and without issues.
    Rewritten: The flight was ________ and without issues.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. comfortable
  2. reasonable
  3. comfortable
  4. cozy

Exercise 2:

  1. a) comfortable
  2. b) comfortable, d) sturdy
  3. c) awkward
  4. a) smooth
  5. a) cozy, b) comfortable

Exercise 3:

  1. The room was comfortable for sleeping.
  2. She felt comfortable during the presentation.
  3. The flight was smooth and without issues.

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