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

Practice with vocabulary decade

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research project, which began in 2010, is now entering its second _____.
  2. Our organization has championed environmental protection for more than a _____, seeing significant policy changes.
  3. The board decided to postpone the vote ____ a later date.
  4. After the discovery of antibiotics, the mid-20th century ushered in a new _____ for medicine.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms can describe a duration of ten years? a) a century b) a decade c) a millennium d) a two-year period e) a ten-year span

  2. The company has invested heavily in renewable energy for over a _____, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. a) generation b) decade c) long stretch d) quarter

  3. The technological advancements of the past _____ have revolutionized communication globally. a) decade b) year c) month d) week

  4. The immediate ____ of the economic crisis was widespread unemployment across the nation. a) consequence b) result c) effect d) impact

  5. The new urban development plan is designed to be implemented in distinct _____, with the first phase focusing on infrastructure. a) intervals b) stages c) periods d) sections

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. For a period of ten years, the population of the city grew steadily. Rewrite: The population of the city grew steadily for a _____.

  2. Over the last twenty years, there have been significant shifts in consumer behavior. Rewrite: Over the last two _____, there have been significant shifts in consumer behavior.

  3. The project aims to achieve its primary goals within a ten-year timeframe. Rewrite: The project aims to achieve its primary goals within an upcoming _____.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. decade
  2. decade
  3. to
  4. era (or period)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) decade, e) ten-year span
  2. b) decade, c) long stretch
  3. a) decade
  4. a) consequence, b) result, c) effect, d) impact
  5. b) stages, c) periods

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The population of the city grew steadily for a decade.
  2. Over the last two decades, there have been significant shifts in consumer behavior.
  3. The project aims to achieve its primary goals within an upcoming period (or timeframe).

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