What is desk? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of desk

desknoun

/dɛsk/
Definition & pronunciation of desk

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "desk" in English. Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /dɛsk/ (rhymes with "mess" or "test")

Let's break that down further:

  • "de": Sounds like the "de" in "bed" or "red". It's a short, crisp sound.
  • "sk": This is the tricky part for some. It sounds like "sk" in "skin" or "sky". It's a quick, single "sk" sound.

Here’s a helpful breakdown of the sounds:

  1. Start with a short "d" sound: (like the "d" in "dog")
  2. Follow with a short "eh" sound: (like the "e" in "bed")
  3. Finish with a quick “sk” sound: (like the “sk” in “skin”)

Resources for hearing it:

  • Google Search: Simply search for "how to pronounce desk" on Google, and you'll find audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/desk/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Many videos demonstrate how to say the word correctly.

Do you want me to:

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Usage and examples with the word desk in English

Let's break down how to use the word "desk" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings!

1. The Physical Furniture (Most Common)

  • Definition: A desk is a piece of furniture with a flat surface (usually made of wood) and drawers or shelves, used for working, writing, or studying.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "I work at my desk every day."
    • "He has a large wooden desk in his home office."
    • "Could you please put your books on the desk?"
    • "She set up her desk with a computer, lamp, and pens."

2. Figuratively - A Place for Tasks or Activities

  • Definition: "Desk" can be used metaphorically to refer to a position, role, or area of responsibility.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "He's in charge of the marketing desk." (Meaning: he’s responsible for marketing)
    • "The customer service desk is located near the entrance." (Meaning: the area where customers can get help)
    • "She handled the grant applications from her desk." (Meaning: she was responsible for processing them).

3. Inside a Computer (Technical - Less Common)

  • Definition: Referring to the area within a computer where programs run.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "The application is crashing at the desk." (Meaning: the error is occurring in the software's underlying core). - This usage is more formal and technical.

4. "Sit at the desk" - An Action

  • Definition: To be positioned at a desk, usually to work or study.
  • Example Sentences:
    • "I like to sit at the desk and read a book."
    • "He spent hours sitting at his desk, writing his novel."

Here's a breakdown of when you'd most likely use it:

  • Everyday Conversation: "I’m working at my desk." (Referring to the furniture)
  • Business/Professional Settings: "The sales desk is very busy." (Referring to a responsibility)
  • Technical discussions: "The error is occurring at the program's desk." (Referring to the software core)

Resources for More Information:

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  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing an email, describing a room, talking about a job?)

Synonyms for the word desk

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