What is decade? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of decade

decadenoun

/ˈdɛkeɪd//dɪˈkeɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of decade

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "decade." Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • deh-KAY-duh

Let's break that down further:

  • deh: Like the "de" in "deep"
  • KAY: Like the name "Kay"
  • duh: Like the "duh" in "duh" (a short, unstressed "uh" sound)

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the second syllable – "KAY." Don't say it like "de-cade."
  • Short "uh" sound: The "duh" at the end is a very brief, unstressed "uh" sound. It's not a long "a" sound.
  • Flow: Try to make the sounds flow smoothly together.

Resources to Hear It:

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Usage and examples with the word decade in English

Let's break down how to use the word "decade" in English. It's a useful word for describing periods of time!

1. What is a Decade?

A "decade" refers to a period of ten years. It's a unit of time.

2. Common Ways to Use It:

  • Referring to a Block of Time: This is the most common use.

    • “The 1990s were a really exciting decade.” (Meaning the years 1990-1999)
    • "I grew up in the 2010s." (Meaning the years 2010-2019)
    • "This decade will see significant advancements in technology." (Meaning the current ten-year period)
  • As a Noun (the decade):

    • “This decade has brought many changes to the industry.”
    • “She's been working in the field for a whole decade.”
  • Referring to a Specific Decade:

    • "The Roaring Twenties" (Referring to the 1920s)
    • "The Digital Decade" (Referring to the 2000s)
  • Expressing Duration: You can use it to describe how long something has lasted.

    • "I’ve been learning English for a decade." (Meaning for ten years)
    • “We’ve been friends for a decade now."

3. Examples in Sentences:

  • “The 1960s were a time of great social change.”
  • “Each decade brings new fashion trends.”
  • “Many historians study the 18th century to understand the foundations of our current society.”
  • "He's planning to retire in a decade."

4. Related Phrases:

  • A decade ago: (Meaning ten years ago) – “A decade ago, the internet was in its infancy.”
  • In the next decade: (Meaning in the coming ten years) – “We hope to see groundbreaking discoveries in medicine in the next decade.”
  • Throughout the decade: (Meaning during the entire period of the decade) – “Throughout the decade, the company experienced steady growth.”

5. Tips for Using It Correctly:

  • Be clear about the timeframe: When you use "decade," make sure it’s obvious which ten-year period you’re referring to.
  • Use the correct numbers: Be precise with the starting and ending years of the decade.

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word decade


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