What is county? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of county

countynoun

/ˈkaʊnti/
Definition & pronunciation of county

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "county" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈkəːn.ti/ (KURN-tee)

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈkəːn: This part sounds like "burn" but with a longer "u" sound – like the "oo" in "moon." It’s a broader "uh" sound than you might be used to.
  • -ty: This part sounds like "tee." It’s a short, crisp "t" sound.

Here's a more detailed analysis:

  • Rhyme with "burn": The first syllable strongly rhymes with "burn." This is key!
  • “R” sound: Although it doesn’t have a separate "r" sound, the vowel in “burn” has a slight "r" quality – it’s a subtle and important detail. You're essentially rounding your lips slightly as you say the “uh” sound.
  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("kurn").

Resources to listen:

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "Count-tee": This is a very common mistake. It's incorrect because it doesn't capture the longer “uh” sound of the first syllable.
  • “Kahn-tee”: This is also a frequent error. It doesn’t reflect the “burn” sound.

To really nail it, try saying it out loud repeatedly, focusing on that long "uh" sound in the first syllable.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "county"?

Usage and examples with the word county in English

Let's break down how to use the word "county" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word, and understanding its different uses will help you use it correctly.

1. Basic Definition: A Subdivision of a State/Province

  • Core Meaning: At its simplest, a county is a division of a state or province within a country. Think of it as a regional administrative unit.
  • Example: "I live in Los Angeles County, California." "Yorkshire is a county in Northern England."

2. Types of Usage & Examples:

  • Geographic/Administrative: This is the most common use.

    • “He’s a police officer with the Sheriff's Department for [County Name].” (Referring to a law enforcement agency within the county.)
    • “The county courthouse handles legal matters for residents of that area.” (The judicial center of the county.)
    • “The county border is marked by the [River Name].” (Defining the boundaries of the county.)

  • Naming Places & Businesses: Counties often appear in names of towns and businesses.

    • “We’re visiting the town of Oak County.”
    • “That restaurant is located in County Road.”

  • Historical/Traditional: In some regions, particularly in the UK, "county" retains a stronger historical connection to medieval shires.

    • “She’s a native of Devon County.” (Referring to her birthplace or family roots.)
    • “He inherited a large estate in Northumberland County.” (Suggesting a traditional landholding)

  • Formal Contexts (Government, Statistics): You’ll often find “county” in official documents.

    • “The census data is broken down by county.”
    • “The county council provides services like roads and schools.”

3. Important Distinctions:

  • County vs. Parish: This is a key subtle difference, mainly in the UK and some other Commonwealth countries. A parish is often a smaller, more localized administrative unit than a county. Think of a county as a larger district, and a parish as a smaller community within that district.
  • County Seat: Every county has a county seat – the main town that serves as the judicial and administrative center. (e.g., "Indianapolis is the county seat of Marion County.")

4. Common Phrases & Expressions:

  • "County fair": A traditional agricultural fair.
  • "County government": The administrative body that runs the county.
  • "Rural county": A county with a predominantly agricultural economy.
  • “Stay in the county.” (Meaning stay within the boundaries of the county.)

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "county"? (e.g., Are you writing an essay, having a conversation, or something else?)
  • Which country or region are you interested in? (The meaning and usage of “county” can vary slightly between countries.)

Synonyms for the word county

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