What is debt? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of debt

debtnoun

/dɛt/
Definition & pronunciation of debt

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "debt" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • dehbt

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • de - Sounds like the "de" in "desk" – a short, quick "eh" sound.
  • bt - This is the tricky part. It's a single sound, not two separate "b" and "t." Think of it as a blend of a "b" and "t" that flows together. It's often described as a "d" sound followed by a very quick "t" – almost like a breathy "d" that transitions immediately into a "t." It’s a subtle but important distinction.

Here's how to practice:

  1. Say "de" like in "desk."
  2. Now, quickly blend in "bt" – trying to make it sound like a single sound that's similar to a "d" followed by a very light "t."

Resources for Hearing it:

Important Note: There's a less common, older pronunciation that uses a "debt" (like "deb-it") - this is less frequently heard and mainly found in older texts or in some regional dialects. However, the "dehbt" pronunciation is overwhelmingly the standard.

Would you like me to:

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

Usage and examples with the word debt in English

Let's break down how to use the word "debt" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown:

1. Financial Debt (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most common meaning – an amount of money owed by one person or entity to another.
  • Examples:
    • "He has a large debt of $100,000 on his mortgage." (A loan on a house)
    • "The company is struggling with its debt burden." (Total amount owed)
    • "She’s been working overtime to pay off her student debt." (Money borrowed for education)
    • "Bankruptcy can erase personal debt." (Eliminating money owed)
    • "Interest rates on debt are rising." (The cost of borrowing)

2. Moral/Emotional Debt

  • Definition: This refers to a feeling of obligation or guilt that arises from a past action or failure to fulfill a promise. It's not about money, but about owing someone something in terms of goodwill or emotional support.
  • Examples:
    • "He felt a debt of gratitude to his mentor for his guidance." (He feels obligated to repay the mentor's kindness)
    • "She carried a debt of guilt for not visiting her grandmother more often." (She feels she owes her grandmother more visits)
    • "I feel a moral debt to help those in need." (A sense of duty to assist others)
    • "Paying back a favor is a way to settle a social debt." (Returning a kindness)

3. Figurative Debt (Less Common)

  • Definition: Sometimes “debt” is used metaphorically to describe a burden or obligation that’s not easily quantifiable.
  • Examples:
    • “She’s burdened with the debt of past mistakes.” (She feels weighed down by regret or consequences.)
    • "The country carries a debt to its veterans." (A sense of honor and responsibility)

Key Phrases & Related Words:

  • Pay off debt: To eliminate a debt.
  • Debt repayment: The process of paying off a debt.
  • Debt consolidation: Combining multiple debts into one loan.
  • High-interest debt: Debt with a significant amount of interest charged.
  • Good debt vs. Bad debt: ‘Good debt’ (like a mortgage) is generally considered beneficial, while ‘bad debt’ (like credit card debt) is a concern.
  • Default on a debt: To fail to make payments on a debt.

Tips for Usage:

  • Context is vital: Pay close attention to the sentence and situation to determine if "debt" refers to financial obligations or something deeper.
  • Specificity: When talking about financial debt, be specific about the type of debt (mortgage, student loan, credit card, etc.).

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "debt" in a particular context (e.g., business, personal finance, literature)?
  • Explain how to form different types of "debt" (e.g., loans, bonds)?
  • Provide a sentence using "debt" and ask you to identify its meaning?

Synonyms for the word debt

Idioms of the word debt

be in somebody’s debt
(formal)to feel grateful to somebody for their help, kind behaviour, etc.
  • I am in Ruth's debt for the excellent advice she gave me.

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