What is country? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of country

countrynoun

/ˈkʌntri/
Definition & pronunciation of country

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "country" in English. It's a surprisingly tricky word! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈkʌntri/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "cun-": This part sounds like "cunn" as in "sun," but with a slightly shorter 'u' sound. It's a quick, almost clipped sound. Think of it as a very quick "kuhn."

  2. "-try": This sounds like "tree." (As in, “a little tree”)

Putting it together: It's like saying "Cunn-tree."

Here's a helpful way to visualize it:

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "count-tree": This is a very common mistake! It adds an extra "o" sound and doesn’t fit the phonetic structure.
  • "cunt-tree": While this is the correct spelling, the pronunciation is often considered vulgar and is best avoided.

Resources to help:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a little practice exercise?

Usage and examples with the word country in English

Let's break down how to use the word "country" in English. It has several different meanings and uses! Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As a Nation/State (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: This is the most frequent meaning. It refers to a political entity with its own government, territory, and population.
  • Examples:
    • "The United States is a country."
    • "I want to visit different countries."
    • "She represents her country in the Olympics."
    • "The country’s economy is struggling."

2. As a Geographic Area (Rural Area)

  • Definition: This refers to a rural area, often characterized by farmland and a slower pace of life. It contrasts with “city.”
  • Examples:
    • "He lives in the country with plenty of space and fresh air."
    • "They escaped to the country for a peaceful weekend."
    • "She grew up in a small country town."

3. As a Countryside (Natural Area)

  • Definition: This refers to the natural landscape, including fields, forests, and hills surrounding a town or city.
  • Examples:
    • "The beautiful countryside was perfect for a hike."
    • "We enjoyed a picnic in the countryside."

4. As a Piece of Land (Less Common)

  • Definition: This is a less frequently used meaning, referring to a piece of land or territory.
  • Examples:
    • "He owns a large country in Scotland." (Meaning a large piece of land)

5. Figurative Uses

  • “Country Boy/Girl”: Someone from a rural area, often implying a simple, honest, or unsophisticated lifestyle.
  • "Country Music": A genre of music originating in the Southern United States.
  • "Country Roads": A phrase often referencing peaceful, rural areas (think John Denver!).

Grammatical Notes:

  • Countable vs. Uncountable: “Country” as a nation is countable (you can say "one country," "two countries"). "Countryside" is uncountable.
  • Adjective: You can use "country" as an adjective: "country music," "country roads," "country life."

Here’s a quick table to summarize:

Meaning Example
Nation/State “Canada is a country.”
Rural Area “They live in the country.”
Countryside “The countryside was beautiful.”
Piece of Land “He owns a country.”

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

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a travel essay, a description of your hometown, etc.)
  • What specific context are you using “country” in?

Synonyms for the word country

Practice with vocabulary country

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The economic policies of one _______ often have ripple effects on global markets.
  2. After years of living abroad, she longed to return to her home _______ and reunite with her family.
  3. The United _______ Organization discussed global health initiatives at its annual conference.
  4. The fertile _______ in the north is ideal for large-scale agricultural production.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The diplomat represented his _______ at the international summit, advocating for peace and economic cooperation. A) nation B) territory C) country D) province

  2. We spent our summer vacation exploring the beautiful _______side, enjoying the peace and quiet away from the city. A) rural B) country C) remote D) village

  3. Many developing _______ face significant challenges in achieving sustainable economic growth and improving living standards. A) lands B) nations C) territories D) countries

  4. The company decided to expand its operations into the European _______, targeting new consumer markets. A) area B) continent C) region D) sphere

  5. The local government implemented new policies to benefit the entire _______, focusing on public services and infrastructure. A) community B) vicinity C) district D) populace

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The government imposes taxes on goods imported from abroad.
  2. She feels a strong sense of belonging to her homeland.
  3. The Prime Minister addressed the entire nation on the urgent matter of public health.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. country
  2. country
  3. Nations
  4. region

Exercise 2:

  1. A) nation, C) country
  2. B) country
  3. B) nations, D) countries
  4. B) continent
  5. A) community

Exercise 3:

  1. The government imposes taxes on goods imported from other countries.
  2. She feels a strong sense of belonging to her country.
  3. The Prime Minister addressed the entire populace on the urgent matter of public health.

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