What is complete? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of complete

completeadjective/verb

/kəmˈpliːt/
Definition & pronunciation of complete

Okay, let's break down the pronunciation of "complete." It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "com-": This part sounds like "comb" – like the grooming tool. Think of the short "o" as in "comb."
  • "plete": This is the tricky part. It's pronounced as "pleet." It's not "leet" like the video game abbreviation.

2. Putting it Together:

So, "complete" is pronounced: "Kuhm-pleet"

Here's a more detailed breakdown, with emphasis:

  • Kuhm (emphasize this syllable – it's the first strong sound)
  • -pleet (the 'e' is short and unstressed)

Resources to Listen:

Tips for Practice:

  • Slow it down: Don't rush! Focus on getting the "comb" sound and then the "pleet" sound correct.
  • Record yourself: Hearing yourself speak can help you identify areas you need to improve.
  • Repeat, repeat, repeat: The more you practice, the more natural it will become.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word complete in English

Let's break down how to use the word "complete" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and ways to employ it. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Action - To Finish)

  • Meaning: To finish something; to bring something to an end.
  • Examples:
    • "I completed my homework." (Finished it)
    • "She completed the race in record time." (Finished the race)
    • "He completed the report yesterday." (Finished the report)
    • "Please complete the application form." (Finish filling it out)
    • "The construction team completed the building." (Finished building it)

2. As an Adjective (Fully Finished/Finished)

  • Meaning: Fully finished; entire; whole. Often used to describe something that has no missing parts or elements.
  • Examples:
    • "This is a complete waste of time." (Totally a waste)
    • "I have a complete understanding of the problem." (A full understanding)
    • "He needs a complete overhaul of his system." (A total/full repair/rebuild)
    • "She’s wearing a complete outfit – dress, shoes, and bag." (Everything needed)

3. In Phrases & Idioms

  • Complete silence: (Absolute quiet) "The room fell into complete silence."
  • Complete disaster: (A very bad outcome) "The launch was a complete disaster."
  • Complete stranger: (Someone you've never met before) "I bumped into a complete stranger on the street."
  • Complete attention: (Giving all of your focus) "The student gave the teacher complete attention."
  • Complete and utter: (Very extreme) "It was a complete and utter shock."

4. With Specific Contexts

  • Complete a course/program: To finish and receive a diploma or certification. "I'm working to complete my MBA."
  • Complete a puzzle: To finish assembling a jigsaw puzzle. “I finally completed the puzzle!”
  • Complete a task: To finish a specific job or assignment. “Let’s complete this task before the deadline.”

Tips for Using "Complete" Correctly:

  • Pay attention to the part of speech: Is it an action (verb) or describing something fully (adjective)?
  • Consider the context: The phrase "complete" changes meaning depending on how it's used.
  • Stronger Alternatives: Sometimes, “finish,” “end,” “entire,” or “total” can be better choices based on the nuance you want to convey.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • In what kind of context are you trying to use "complete"? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking in a conversation, describing something, etc.)

Synonyms for the word complete

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