What is danger? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of danger

dangernoun

/ˈdeɪn(d)ʒə/
Definition & pronunciation of danger

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "danger" in English. It's a tricky one because of the silent 'g'!

Here's the breakdown:

  • dá-n'ger

Let's break it down further:

  1. dá: This sounds like "dah" – like the beginning of "dad." The 'a' is slightly more open than in "cat." The stress is on this first syllable.
  2. n': This is the key! The 'n' is silent. It's a very common pronunciation quirk in English. You pronounce the "a" in "dá" and then bring your tongue back into position as if you were going to say "n."
  3. ger: This sounds like "ger," as in "gear" or "genre." It's a short, quick "er" sound.

Putting it all together: "Dah-n'ger"

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the silent 'g': Really force yourself not to pronounce it. This is the biggest hurdle for learners.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to get the rhythm and pronunciation correct is to hear it. You can find many examples on:
    • Google Translate: Type "danger" and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: (forvo.com) - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce danger" – you’ll find many videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you more examples of words with silent letters?

Usage and examples with the word danger in English

Let's break down how to use the word "danger" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances. Here's a breakdown of its common uses, with examples:

1. As a Noun (The thing that poses a risk):

  • Meaning: A situation, object, or person that could cause harm or injury.
  • Examples:
    • "There's danger of flooding in the low-lying areas." (A risk of something bad happening)
    • "He was walking on the edge of the cliff, facing a real danger." (A specific hazardous situation)
    • "The broken glass on the floor presented a danger to children." (A hazardous object)
    • "Wild animals pose a danger to tourists." (A potential threat)

2. As a Verb (To put someone or something at risk):

  • Meaning: To put someone or something in a situation where they are likely to be harmed or suffer loss.
  • Examples:
    • "The reckless driver dangered his own life." (Put himself at risk)
    • "Ignoring the warnings dangered the entire expedition." (Put the expedition at risk)
    • "Don't danger your health by skipping meals." (Put your health at risk)

3. Phrases with "Danger":

  • Danger signals/signs: Warning signs indicating a potential hazard. ("Look for the danger signs before crossing the road.")
  • Danger zone: An area where a risk exists. ("The construction site is a danger zone – stay away!")
  • In danger: This is a common idiom meaning someone is at risk. ("The endangered species are in danger of extinction.")
  • Dangerously: An adverb used to describe something that is risky or unsafe. ("He drove dangerously fast.")

4. Degrees of Danger:

  • Minor danger: A low level of risk. ("There's a minor danger of tripping over the rug.")
  • Serious danger: A high level of risk. ("He faced serious danger during the fire.")
  • Extreme danger: A very high level of risk; life-threatening. ("They were in extreme danger from the avalanche.")

Here's a table summarizing the key uses:

Form Part of Speech Meaning Example
Danger Noun A potential source of harm "The storm represents a danger."
Danger Verb To put someone/something at risk "He endangered his life."
Danger signs Noun Warning signs of potential hazard "The danger signs alerted us."
In danger Phrase At risk "The rainforest is in danger."

Tips for Using "Danger" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The specific meaning of "danger" depends on how it's used in the sentence.
  • Be specific: Instead of just saying "danger," try to describe what is dangerous. (e.g., "The slippery ice presents a danger.")
  • Use synonyms: Sometimes, using a synonym can add more precision (e.g., risk, hazard, threat, peril).

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more specific examples of "danger" in a particular context (e.g., safety instructions, a news report, a story)?
  • Help you practice using "danger" in a sentence?
  • Explain how "danger" relates to other related words like "risk," "hazard," or "threat"?

Synonyms for the word danger

Idioms of the word danger

be on/off the danger list
(British English)to be so ill that you may die; to no longer be very ill

    Practice with vocabulary danger

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. Without proper safety equipment, deep-sea diving poses a significant _____ to human life.
    2. The auditor warned that the company's current financial practices put it in _____ of bankruptcy.
    3. Every significant investment carries an inherent _____, and careful assessment is crucial before committing funds.
    4. Navigating the complex international regulatory landscape proved to be the biggest _____ for the startup.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Hikers venturing into remote wilderness should always be aware of potential ______ from wild animals and unpredictable weather. A) peril B) safety C) security D) protection E) danger

    2. The sudden drop in market confidence signaled an immediate ______ for investors in the tech sector, prompting many to sell shares. A) opportunity B) prosperity C) stability D) danger E) threat

    3. After the successful rescue operation, the stranded climbers were finally out of ______, though exhausted and in need of medical attention. A) harm B) peril C) safety D) danger E) trouble

    4. Before implementing the new policy, management conducted a thorough ______ assessment to identify potential negative impacts and mitigation strategies. A) benefit B) opportunity C) impact D) risk E) challenge

    5. Unsecured online databases present a significant ______ to sensitive personal data, making robust cybersecurity measures essential. A) asset B) advantage C) vulnerability D) security E) convenience

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The rapidly escalating conflict could put regional stability in jeopardy. Rewrite:

    2. Walking on that unstable bridge is very hazardous and should be avoided. Rewrite:

    3. The company faces the possibility of severe financial collapse if it doesn't adapt quickly to market changes. Rewrite:

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. danger
    2. danger
    3. risk
    4. challenge

    Exercise 2:

    1. A) peril, E) danger
    2. D) danger, E) threat
    3. A) harm, B) peril, D) danger, E) trouble
    4. D) risk
    5. C) vulnerability

    Exercise 3:

    1. The rapidly escalating conflict could put regional stability in danger. (Alternative: The rapidly escalating conflict poses a danger to regional stability.)
    2. Walking on that unstable bridge is very dangerous. (Alternative: Walking on that unstable bridge involves great danger.)
    3. The company faces the threat of severe financial collapse if it doesn't adapt quickly to market changes.

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