What is database? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of database

databasenoun

/ˈdeɪtəbeɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of database

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "database" in English. It's a common stumbling block! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "dat": Sounds like "date" – short "a" sound.
  2. "ə": This is a schwa sound – a very weak, unstressed "uh" sound. Think of how you say "about" – that's a schwa.
  3. "beɪs": Sounds like "base" – short "a" sound, followed by the "s" sound.

Putting it together, you should hear something like: "Day-tuh-base"

Here’s a helpful tip: Imagine you're saying “day-base,” but adding a short “tuh” in the middle.

Resources for Hearing It:

  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce database" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/database/ - This website lets you hear pronunciations from native speakers.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more tips?

Usage and examples with the word database in English

Let's break down how to use the word "database" effectively in English. It's a really common word, but it can be used in different ways.

1. Basic Definition:

At its core, a database is a structured collection of data, typically organized electronically in a computer system. Think of it like a digital filing cabinet.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Referring to the system itself: “We use a database to store customer information.” (Here, "database" is a thing - the system.)
  • Referring to the stored data: “The database contains information about all our products.” (Here, "database" refers to the data within the system.)
  • Database Management Systems (DBMS): “She’s a database administrator; her job is to manage and maintain the database system.” (A DBMS is the software used to interact with a database – like Access, MySQL, Oracle, etc.)

3. Different Types of Databases (and how to use them):

  • Relational Databases: These are the most common type. Data is organized into tables with rows and columns (like a spreadsheet).
    • Example: "Our e-commerce site uses a relational database to track orders and inventory."
  • NoSQL Databases: These are used for more flexible data structures - good for things like social media or logging.
    • Example: “We’re moving to a NoSQL database to handle the massive amount of data generated by our mobile app.”
  • Cloud Databases: Hosted on the cloud, offering scalability and accessibility.
    • Example: “Using a cloud database saves us a lot of money on hardware and maintenance.”

4. Phrases & Expressions Using "Database":

  • Database design: The process of creating a database structure.
  • Database query: A request for information from a database (using SQL or another query language). “He ran a database query to find all customers who purchased a specific product.”
  • Database server: The computer that hosts the database.
  • Database software: The programs used to create and manage databases (like MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQL Server, etc.).
  • Database migration: Moving data from one database to another.

5. Context is Key:

The best way to understand how to use "database" is to consider the context. Are you talking about the system, the data, or the process of working with it?

Here's a table summarizing some common ways to use "database":

Usage Example Meaning
System/Thing “Our company uses a database.” The computer system for storing data.
Data “The database contains sales figures.” The information inside the system.
Professional Role “A database administrator…” Someone who manages databases.
Type of Database “We’re using a relational database.” Specifies the type of database structure.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you an even more tailored response, could you tell me:

  • What are you hoping to use the word "database" in? (e.g., writing an email, a presentation, a conversation, understanding a technical document?)

Synonyms for the word database

Practice with vocabulary database

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Our company relies on a robust ______________ to manage customer information and transaction records efficiently.
  2. The digital ______________ contains historical documents dating back to the 18th century, carefully preserved for future generations.
  3. Researchers often query public ______________ for statistical data to support their studies.
  4. For simple tracking of daily expenses, a basic ______________ software is often sufficient, but large-scale data management requires more sophisticated systems.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following best describes a structured collection of logically related data, typically organized for efficient storage and retrieval? a) Algorithm b) Firewall c) Database d) Spreadsheet

  2. Which of these are common examples of where a database is typically utilized? (Choose all that apply) a) Managing an online store's product inventory and orders. b) Storing user profiles and activity logs for a social media platform. c) Performing complex mathematical calculations in a scientific simulation. d) Organizing academic research papers and their associated citations.

  3. To improve data retrieval speed and ensure data integrity, IT administrators often optimize the underlying ______________ structure and indexing. a) user interface b) database c) network protocol d) operating system

  4. For large-scale analytical processing and business intelligence, an organization might build a centralized ______________ that consolidates data from various operational sources into a unified structure for reporting. a) data lake b) data warehouse c) content management system d) virtual private network

  5. In a relational data model, a single row representing a complete set of information for an entity (e.g., one customer or one product) is commonly referred to as a ______________. a) field b) query c) record d) schema

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The customer information is stored in an organized digital system.

    • Rewrite using "database" or a related word form:

  2. We need to look up the details of all employees who joined the company last year.

    • Rewrite using "database" or a related word form:

  3. Accessing this vast collection of financial records requires special clearance and stringent security protocols.

    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do NOT use "database"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. database
  2. archive (or repository)
  3. databases
  4. spreadsheet

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Database
  2. a) Managing an online store's product inventory and orders. b) Storing user profiles and activity logs for a social media platform. d) Organizing academic research papers and their associated citations.
  3. b) database
  4. b) data warehouse
  5. c) record

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The customer information is stored in a structured database system.
  2. We need to query the employee database for details of all employees who joined the company last year.
  3. Accessing this vast repository of financial records requires special clearance and stringent security protocols.

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