What is demand? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of demand

demandnoun

/dɪˈmɑːnd/
Definition & pronunciation of demand

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "demand" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

/dɪˈmænd/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • di: Pronounced like "dee" - as in the letter D. Short and crisp.
  • mand: This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced with a 'nd' sound (like in "hand" or "send"), but the 'd' is silent. It almost feels a little bit like a "mahnd" sound. Think of it as a short, soft "m" followed by the 'n' sound.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • "dɪ": This is a diphthong – a gliding vowel sound. Start with a short "i" sound (like in "bit") and then move smoothly towards an "a" sound.
  • "mand": Focus on the silent 'd' and the muffled ‘m’ sound. Try to avoid a hard “d” sound at the beginning.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is by listening. You can find pronunciations on:

    • Google Translate: Type "demand" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/demand/ – This website has pronunciations recorded by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce demand" on YouTube – you'll find many helpful videos.

  • Record yourself: Say the word out loud and compare your pronunciation to a native speaker's.

  • Practice slowly: Don’t try to rush. Focus on getting each syllable right.

  • Think of the visual: Picture yourself saying “dee” and then a soft “mahnd.”

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "demand"?
  • Provide additional resources for pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word demand in English

Let's break down how to use the word "demand" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and usages. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (to require something forcefully or urgently):

  • Meaning: To insist strongly on something; to require something urgently or forcefully.
  • Examples:
    • "The customers demanded an explanation for the delay." (They insisted strongly.)
    • "The protesters demanded government action." (They urgently called for action.)
    • "He demanded to speak to the manager." (He insisted forcefully.)
    • "The city demands a new bridge." (The needs of the city necessitate it.)
  • Synonyms: request, insist, require, necessitate, invoke

2. As a Noun (a request or assertion of a need or right):

  • Meaning: A statement of a need, right, or request, presented forcefully. Often implies a forceful or insistent nature.
  • Examples:
    • "The union issued a demand for higher wages." (Their request was forceful.)
    • “The company received a demand for a full accounting of the funds.” (They made a formal request for information.)
    • "Her demand was simple: to be treated with respect." (Her request was firm.)
  • Synonyms: request, claim, demand, insistence, proposition

3. Figurative/Business Context (Supply and Demand):

  • Meaning: The relationship between the quantity of a commodity that buyers are willing to purchase and the price they are willing to pay. It’s a fundamental economic principle.
  • Examples:
    • "High demand for electric cars is driving up prices."
    • "The law of demand states that as price increases, quantity demanded decreases."
    • “There’s low demand for that product currently.”

4. Demand (a person who demands something – more informal)

  • Meaning: Someone who is demanding, often in a demanding or pushy way. This is less formal and can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation.
  • Examples:
    • “Don’t be such a demand!” (Don't be so demanding!)
    • “He’s a difficult demand – always wanting things his way.”

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Formality: "Demand" is generally a fairly formal word. In casual conversation, you might use more relaxed phrases like "ask for," "request," or "want."
  • Tone: The word "demand" can carry a slightly negative or assertive tone. Consider your audience and the situation when using it.
  • Context is Crucial: The specific meaning of "demand" is always determined by the context in which it’s used.

Here's a quick table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To insist strongly The team demanded a change in strategy.
Noun A forceful request or assertion They presented a strong demand for funding.
(Figurative) Supply and demand relationship Demand for housing is rising sharply.
(Informal) A demanding person He’s a difficult demand.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about where you want to use "demand"? (e.g., a business email, a casual conversation, a written essay?)

Synonyms for the word demand

Idioms of the word demand

by popular demand
because a lot of people have asked for something
  • By popular demand, the play will run for another week.
in demand
wanted by a lot of people
  • Good secretaries are always in demand.
on demand
done or happening whenever somebody asks
  • Feed the baby on demand.
  • The service allows you to watch video on demand.
  • All of the conference sessions will be available on demand for 90 days.

Practice with vocabulary demand

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The sudden surge in online shopping led to unprecedented consumer ______ for delivery services.
  2. The management team must assess the market ______ carefully before launching the new product line.
  3. Due to the unexpected increase in orders, our current ______ chain is under significant strain.
  4. The board approved the funding after a formal ______ was submitted by the research department.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. To ensure compliance, the new policy will ______ strict adherence to safety protocols. a) demand b) suggest c) require d) propose

  2. The protest group began to ______ that the government address climate change immediately. a) insist b) demand c) inquire d) request

  3. Given the growing market ______ for sustainable solutions, many companies are investing in green technology. a) preference b) trend c) demand d) desire

  4. Before implementing the new software, we need to carefully assess its resource ______. a) consumption b) needs c) utilization d) requirements

  5. The increased global production has led to an oversupply, causing prices to fall and impacting the overall market ______ equilibrium. a) demand b) balance c) supply d) stability

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The union strongly requested better working conditions and fairer wages. (Rewrite using a form of "demand")

  2. Meeting the tight deadline requires exceptional effort and meticulous planning from everyone involved. (Rewrite using a form of "demand")

  3. There is a great need for advanced cybersecurity measures in the current digital landscape. (Rewrite, ensuring you do not use "demand" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. The sudden surge in online shopping led to unprecedented consumer demand for delivery services.
  2. The management team must assess the market demand carefully before launching the new product line.
  3. Due to the unexpected increase in orders, our current supply chain is under significant strain.
  4. The board approved the funding after a formal request was submitted by the research department.

Exercise 2:

  1. a) demand, c) require
  2. a) insist, b) demand
  3. a) preference, c) demand
  4. b) needs, d) requirements
  5. a) demand, c) supply

Exercise 3:

  1. The union demanded better working conditions and fairer wages.
  2. Meeting the tight deadline demands exceptional effort and meticulous planning from everyone involved.
  3. There is a great necessity for advanced cybersecurity measures in the current digital landscape.

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