What is deliver? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of deliver

deliververb

/dɪˈlɪvə/
Definition & pronunciation of deliver

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "deliver" in English. Here's a breakdown with different ways to approach it:

1. The Most Common & Natural Pronunciation:

  • ˈdɪlɪvər (This is the one you'll hear most often)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈdi-: Like "dee" as in "deep" – short and crisp.
  • -lɪ-: This is a diphthong (a gliding sound). It sounds like "li" as in "light" but slightly shorter and more closed. It's crucial for the correct rhythm.
  • -vər: Like "ver" as in "very". The 'r' is a very slight, subtle "r" sound – don't overemphasize it.

2. Phonetic Spelling (for accuracy):

  • /ˈdɪlɪvər/

    • ˈdɪ - (as above)
    • lɪ - (as above)
    • vər - (as above)

3. Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable ("di").
  • The "li" sound: This is the trickiest part. Practice saying "lee" quickly, then subtly shorten it. It's not a long "li" like in "light".
  • Subtle "r": Don't add a strong, rolling "r" like in Spanish. Just a little touch.

Resources to Help You Hear It:

To help me tailor the explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are you having trouble with a specific syllable?
  • Do you want me to focus on a particular accent (e.g., American English, British English)?

Usage and examples with the word deliver in English

Let's break down how to use the word "deliver" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. To Give Something Physically (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To hand something over to someone; to bring something to a destination.
  • Examples:
    • "The courier will deliver the package tomorrow." (Physical delivery)
    • "She delivered the baby safely." (A medical context, delivering a baby)
    • "He delivered a pizza to our house." (A common, everyday example)
    • "The driver delivered mail to the residents."

2. To Present or Communicate Information (Formal)

  • Meaning: To speak or write about something in a formal presentation or speech. To express an opinion or argument.
  • Examples:
    • "The CEO delivered a compelling speech on the company's future." (Presenting a speech)
    • "The lawyer delivered a strong opening statement." (Presenting an argument formally)
    • "She delivered a brilliant lecture on Renaissance art." (Giving a presentation)

3. To Fulfill a Promise or Obligation (Stronger Emphasis)

  • Meaning: To do something that was promised or required. This often carries a sense of meeting a deadline or expectation.
  • Examples:
    • "The team will deliver the project on time." (Meeting a deadline)
    • “The company is committed to delivering excellent customer service.” (Fulfilling a commitment)
    • “The government promised to deliver healthcare reform.” (Meeting a political promise)

4. To Produce or Create (Sometimes, more business-oriented)

  • Meaning: To produce goods or services, especially in a business context.
  • Examples:
    • "The factory delivered a record number of cars this year." (Producing goods)
    • "The marketing team delivered a successful advertising campaign." (Producing a result – an advertisement)

5. (Less Common) - To Take Charge of Something (Often with responsibility)

  • Meaning: To take control of a situation or project and see it through.
  • Examples:
    • "The manager delivered the team through a difficult period." (Taking responsibility and guiding the team)

Key Differences & How to Choose the Right Meaning

  • "Deliver" vs. "Give": "Deliver" implies a more formal or purposeful transfer than just "give."
  • "Deliver" vs. "Present": "Deliver" is more likely used when discussing a formal speech or presentation. "Present" is often used for things like showing or introducing an object.

Phrases Using "Deliver":

  • Deliver on: To fulfill a promise or obligation. (e.g., "They promised to deliver the report by Friday, and they did.")
  • Deliver results: To produce positive outcomes. (e.g., “The new strategy is expected to deliver results.”)

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "deliver" in? (e.g., business, personal, academic, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re trying to build using the word?

Synonyms for the word deliver

Idioms of the word deliver

deliver the goods | come up with the goods
(informal)to do what you have promised to do or what people expect or want you to do
  • We expected great things of the England team, but on the day they simply failed to deliver the goods.
signed and sealed | signed, sealed and delivered
definite, because all the legal documents have been signed

    Practice with vocabulary deliver

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The company aims to _____ all online orders within 24 hours to ensure customer satisfaction.
    2. The project manager is expected to _____ a detailed progress report at the quarterly meeting.
    3. All employees must _____ their timesheets by the end of the week for payroll processing.
    4. Despite the challenging market conditions, the sales team managed to _____ their ambitious targets.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. The keynote speaker will _____ a powerful address on sustainable business practices. a) perform b) make c) deliver d) give
    2. Despite tight deadlines, the software development team managed to _____ a functional prototype ahead of schedule. a) produce b) achieve c) complete d) deliver
    3. The courier service guarantees to _____ packages nationwide by the next business day. a) transport b) ship c) deliver d) transfer
    4. The management decided to _____ a new policy to improve workplace efficiency. a) enforce b) implement c) apply d) fulfill
    5. It's crucial to _____ your ideas clearly during the negotiation process. a) convey b) utter c) express d) articulate

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: She needs to give a compelling presentation to the board members. Rewrite:
    2. Original: The project team was unable to fulfill all the promises made at the outset. Rewrite:
    3. Original: The aid organization works to get essential supplies to remote villages. Rewrite:

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. deliver
    2. deliver
    3. submit
    4. achieve

    Exercise 2:

    1. c) deliver, d) give
    2. a) produce, b) achieve, c) complete, d) deliver
    3. a) transport, b) ship, c) deliver
    4. b) implement
    5. a) convey, c) express, d) articulate

    Exercise 3:

    1. She needs to deliver a compelling presentation to the board members.
    2. The project team was unable to deliver on all the promises made at the outset.
    3. The aid organization works to supply essential supplies to remote villages.

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