What is deaf? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of deaf

deafadjective

/dɛf/
Definition & pronunciation of deaf

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

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • /dɛf/ (rhymes with "beef" or "shelf")

Let's break it down further:

  • "de": Pronounced like the "de" in "bed" or "red."
  • "af": This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced with a short "e" sound, like in "bed," but with a slightly more open and relaxed mouth. Think of it as almost like the short "a" in "cat" but with a very quick transition to the "f" sound. It's not pronounced like "eff" (as in, the letter "f").

Here's a helpful way to think about it:

Imagine you're saying "bed" and then immediately make a very quick "f" sound. That's close to the sound.

Resources to hear it:

Important Note: Avoid pronouncing it like "eff" (as in the letter) – that’s a very common mistake.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?

Usage and examples with the word deaf in English

Let's break down how to use the word "deaf" correctly and appropriately in English. It’s a term with a sensitive history, so understanding its nuances is important.

1. The Basic Definition:

  • Deaf means unable to hear or to hear with little or no ability to respond to sound. It describes a condition of complete or near-complete hearing loss.

2. Forms of the Word:

  • Deaf: Used when referring to a person's permanent hearing loss. This is generally the preferred term.
  • Deafened: Used when someone used to be able to hear but has lost their hearing due to an illness, injury, or surgery. It implies a reversible loss (though sometimes it can become permanent).
  • Deafness: The noun form, referring to the condition itself.

3. How to Use "Deaf" – Important Considerations:

  • Respectful Language: This is crucial. Avoid outdated and offensive terms like "deaf and dumb" or "hearing impaired." “Deaf” is the preferred and most respectful term.

  • Person-First Language: The best practice is to focus on the person first, then the condition:

    • Instead of: "The deaf child"
    • Say: "A child who is deaf" or "The child, who is deaf"

  • Asking Permission: Before asking a Deaf person if they can hear you, it’s polite to ask for permission. For example: “Excuse me, can you hear me?” (Letting them respond with “Yes” or “No” shows respect).

  • Don't Assume: Never assume someone who is Deaf needs assistance. They may be perfectly capable.

4. Beyond "Deaf": Related Terms

  • Hard of Hearing: Someone who has some hearing loss but can still hear to a certain degree. They might use hearing aids or other assistive devices. Note: Some Deaf individuals prefer not to be labeled "hard of hearing" because it implies they could hear, and they don't.

  • Sign Language: The primary language for many Deaf people. It’s a complete and complex language with its own grammar and vocabulary.

  • Deaf Community: A vibrant and diverse community with its own culture, traditions, and advocacy efforts.

  • Hearing Loss: A broader term encompassing varying degrees of hearing impairment.

5. Examples of Usage:

  • “She is a deaf musician who communicates through sign language.”
  • “My grandfather has been deafened by noise exposure.”
  • “The school offers specialized services for children who are deaf.”
  • “Many Deaf individuals use American Sign Language (ASL).”
  • “He wears hearing aids to help him with his hearing loss.”

Resources for Further Information:

  • National Association of the Deaf (NAD): https://www.nad.org/ – A leading advocacy organization for Deaf and hard of hearing people.
  • Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA): https://hearingloss.org/ – Provides information, support, and advocacy.

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

  • Why are you asking about this word? (e.g., are you writing something, speaking to someone, trying to understand a situation?)

Synonyms for the word deaf

Idioms of the word deaf

(as) deaf as a post
(informal)very deaf
    fall on deaf ears
    to be ignored or not noticed by other people
    • Her advice fell on deaf ears.
    turn a deaf ear (to somebody/something)
    to ignore or refuse to listen to somebody/something
    • He turned a deaf ear to the rumours.

    Practice with vocabulary deaf

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The company installed visual alerts in their meeting rooms to accommodate employees who are ______.
    2. Despite repeated warnings from the financial advisor, the executive remained ______ to the mounting evidence of unethical practices.
    3. The courtroom was completely ______ as the judge delivered the verdict, with everyone holding their breath.
    4. Regular health screenings are crucial for detecting early signs of vision ______ among aging adults.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    Choose the letter(s) that best complete(s) the sentence. There may be more than one correct answer.

    1. Many organizations now provide sign language interpreters to ensure effective communication for their ______ employees and clients. a) blind b) deaf c) mute d) disabled

    2. After years of being exposed to loud industrial noise, the worker experienced significant hearing loss, rendering him partially ______. a) speechless b) numb c) deaf d) quiet

    3. The politician was criticized for being ______ to the concerns of the public, failing to address their pressing issues. a) oblivious b) unresponsive c) deaf d) ignorant

    4. Despite her deep-seated beliefs, she found herself ______ when asked to publicly defend them, struggling to articulate her thoughts. a) silent b) speechless c) inaudible d) mute

    5. The new regulations came as a complete surprise to many small businesses, who felt the government had been ______ to their feedback during the consultation period. a) unaware b) unseeing c) oblivious d) unhearing

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. People who cannot hear well often rely on visual cues and written communication. Rewrite the sentence using "deaf" or a related word form.

    2. The management ignored all the workers' grievances regarding their working conditions. Rewrite the sentence using "deaf" or a related word form.

    3. When the phone rang, nobody in the house picked it up, and it continued to ring for a long time. Rewrite the sentence without using "deaf" or a related word form, using a suitable replacement word.

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. deaf
    2. deaf
    3. silent
    4. impairment

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) deaf
    2. c) deaf
    3. a) oblivious, b) unresponsive, c) deaf
    4. b) speechless
    5. a) unaware, c) oblivious

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Individuals who are deaf often rely on visual cues and written communication.
    2. The management turned a deaf ear to all the workers' grievances regarding their working conditions.
    3. The phone rang unanswered for a long time.

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