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.

Practice with vocabulary debt

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The startup managed to secure a significant investment, allowing it to reduce its accumulating _______ and invest in new technology.
  2. Careful financial planning can help individuals avoid falling into deep _______.
  3. To expand its operations, the small business applied for a bank _______ with favorable interest rates.
  4. Despite increased revenue, the company still reported a budget _______ for the second consecutive quarter due to unexpected costs.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The company struggled to manage its significant financial _______ after a series of poor investments. A. assets B. equity C. debt D. liabilities

  2. Many students graduate with substantial student _______ that they will spend years repaying. A. grants B. scholarships C. loans D. debts

  3. The government accumulated a massive national _______ to fund its social programs and infrastructure projects. A. surplus B. deficit C. debt D. revenue

  4. Accurate financial projections are crucial for estimating the project's total _______. A. revenue B. expenditure C. profit D. capital

  5. The monthly _______ for the new office space is higher than anticipated, impacting our operational costs. A. rent B. lease C. fee D. installment

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using "debt" or a related word form: The country's financial stability was threatened by the large amounts it had borrowed from international organizations.

  2. Rewrite the sentence using "debt" or a related word form: After defaulting on several payments, the business found itself in a difficult financial position.

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "debt" or its related forms: It is important to carefully manage your spending to avoid living beyond your means.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The startup managed to secure a significant investment, allowing it to reduce its accumulating debt and invest in new technology.
  2. Careful financial planning can help individuals avoid falling into deep debt.
  3. To expand its operations, the small business applied for a bank loan with favorable interest rates.
  4. Despite increased revenue, the company still reported a budget deficit for the second consecutive quarter due to unexpected costs.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C. debt, D. liabilities
  2. C. loans, D. debts
  3. C. debt
  4. B. expenditure
  5. A. rent, B. lease

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The country's financial stability was threatened by its large debt to international organizations.
  2. After defaulting on several payments, the business found itself in significant debt.
  3. It is important to carefully manage your expenditures to avoid living beyond your means.

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