What is concrete? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of concrete

concreteadjective

/ˈkɒŋkriːt/
Definition & pronunciation of concrete

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

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈkɒŋ.kri.t/ (This is how most Americans and British speakers say it)

Let’s break down each syllable:

  1. con: Pronounced like "con" in "connect." It’s a short, sharp “k” sound. /ˈkɒŋ/

  2. crete: Pronounced like "cret" – almost like "crēt." It’s a slightly higher, shorter vowel sound. /ˌkri.t/

Key points and tips:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("con"). That’s why it's written as /ˈkɒŋ.kri.t/.
  • "Cre" sound: The "cre" part is key. Don’t say "cray." Think more like "cret" as in “cretaceous” (an era of time). It's a quick, clipped vowel.
  • Rhyme: It doesn’t rhyme with “cent” or “tent.”

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Translate: Type "concrete" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/concrete/ – This website provides pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.

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

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) Pronunciation can vary slightly between regions.

Usage and examples with the word concrete in English

Let's break down how to use the word "concrete" in English. It has several different meanings and uses! Here's a breakdown categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (Most Common Usage): Hard, Solid Material

  • Definition: This is the most frequent meaning. Concrete is a strong, hard material made from a mixture of cement, aggregates (like gravel or sand), and water. It’s used for building structures like roads, buildings, and foundations.
  • Examples:
    • "The driveway is made of concrete."
    • "The architects used concrete to create a modern, sleek building."
    • "We poured a concrete slab for the base of the patio."
    • "He studied concrete engineering in college."

2. As an Adjective (Meaning Solid, Certain, or Definite)

  • Definition: When used as an adjective, "concrete" describes something that is real, tangible, and not based on vague ideas or feelings. It suggests something is well-defined and not open to interpretation.
  • Examples:
    • "Concrete evidence” – “The police have concrete evidence linking him to the crime.” (Meaning: solid proof)
    • "Concrete plans” – “Let’s discuss concrete plans for the project.” (Meaning: specific and detailed plans)
    • "Concrete expectations” – “The boss gave us concrete expectations about performance.” (Meaning: clearly stated requirements)
    • "Concrete details” - “He provided concrete details about the event.” (Meaning: specific and factual)
    • "Don't make concrete assumptions." (Meaning: don’t jump to conclusions)

3. Figurative Usage (Related to Ideas & Thinking)

  • Definition: In a more abstract sense, "concrete" can refer to thinking logically and practically, rather than in vague or emotional terms. It's about dealing with reality.
  • Examples:
    • "She needs to think concretely about how to solve the problem." (Meaning: focus on practical solutions)
    • "Let’s move beyond abstract ideas and talk about concrete steps.” (Meaning: let's focus on what can be done)

4. Other Less Common Uses

  • Concrete Jungle: A densely populated urban area, often seen as harsh and lacking in nature. (e.g., “New York City is a concrete jungle.”)
  • Concrete Mixer: A machine used for mixing concrete.

Tips for Using "Concrete" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to determine whether "concrete" is being used as a noun or an adjective.
  • Strong and Definite: Remember the core meaning – it represents something solid, real, and well-defined.

Resources for More Information:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of a specific usage?
  • Explain how "concrete" is used in a particular sentence?

Synonyms for the word concrete

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