What is crisis? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of crisis

crisisnoun

/ˈkrʌɪsɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of crisis

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈkrɪsɪs/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈkrɪ - This is the first syllable.

    • "kr" is pronounced like "kr" in "cream"
    • "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "kit"
    • "s" is pronounced like "s" in "sun" (a quick, soft "s")

  2. -ɪs - This is the second syllable.

    • "-ɪ" is pronounced like the "i" in "bit"
    • "s" is pronounced like a very quick, light "s" – almost like a barely audible "s" note. It's a very subtle sound.

Putting it all together:

It sounds roughly like: "KRISS-is" (with a very quick “s” at the end of the second syllable).

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("KRIS").
  • The "s" sound: The second "s" is not like the "s" in "sun." It's a very short, delicate "s" sound, sometimes described as a "schwa" sound (a very weak, unstressed vowel).

Resources for hearing the pronunciation:

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

Do you want me to:

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Usage and examples with the word crisis in English

Let's break down how to use the word "crisis" effectively in English. It's a powerful word with a range of applications. Here's a detailed explanation, covering its meanings, usage, and examples:

1. Core Meaning & Definitions

At its most basic, a "crisis" is a time of intense difficulty or danger. It’s a turning point, often involving a major problem that needs to be dealt with urgently. Here are some key nuances:

  • A Moment of Danger/Difficulty: This is the most common understanding. It’s a situation where something is at risk of failure, destruction, or serious harm. ("The company is facing a financial crisis.")
  • A Turning Point: A crisis can mark a significant shift in a situation, often leading to a new direction. ("The war was a crisis for European economies.")
  • A Period of Intense Trouble: It’s not just a single event, but a timeframe where problems are piling up. ("The healthcare system is in a state of crisis.")

2. Forms of the Word & Their Subtle Differences

  • Crisis: The basic noun form.
  • Crisis-ridden: Describing something filled with crises – “The country was crisis-ridden by political instability.”
  • In crisis: “The hospital is in crisis due to a shortage of staff.” (This emphasizes the state of being in a crisis.)
  • Crisis management: The process of dealing with a crisis.
  • Crisis point: The most critical moment within a crisis.

3. How to Use "Crisis" in Sentences – Examples

Let’s look at how to use “crisis” in different contexts:

  • Business/Economics: “The real estate market is experiencing a housing crisis.” “The airline declared bankruptcy, plunging the company into a financial crisis.” “The government implemented measures to combat the economic crisis.”
  • Health/Medicine: “The hospital was overwhelmed by the influx of patients during the pandemic crisis.” “The region is facing a public health crisis due to the spread of the virus.”
  • Politics: “The nation is grappling with a political crisis following the election results.” “The refugee crisis is creating a humanitarian crisis in bordering countries.”
  • Personal Life: “She was going through a personal crisis after the loss of her job.” “He felt like he was at a crisis point in his relationship.”
  • General/Figurative: "The environmental crisis demands immediate action." (Here, "crisis" refers to a broad, long-term challenge.) "The child's sudden illness created a crisis for the family."

4. Important Phrases & Connectors

  • “Facing a crisis…”: “The school is facing a crisis in enrollment.”
  • “In a state of crisis…”: “The city is in a state of crisis due to the flooding.”
  • “A crisis of…”: “There's a crisis of confidence in the government.” (Refers to a problem with something – confidence, trust, etc.)
  • “To avert a crisis…”: “The negotiators worked tirelessly to avert a diplomatic crisis.”
  • “To overcome a crisis…”: “The small business managed to overcome a financial crisis.”

5. Cautions & Avoiding Overuse

  • Don't overuse the word. While it’s powerful, using “crisis” too frequently can diminish its impact. Consider if a more specific word would be more accurate (e.g., “problem,” “difficulty,” “challenge,” “emergency”).
  • Be precise. Make sure your use of "crisis" accurately reflects the nature of the situation.

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word crisis

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