What is disobey? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of disobey

disobeyverb

/ˌdɪsəˈbeɪ//ˌdɪsəˈbeɪ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "disobey" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and a more conversational explanation:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/dɪsˈoʊbi/

Let's break that down:

  • dɪs-: Sounds like "dis" as in "disappointment". The "i" is short.
  • ˈoʊ-: This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "oh" – like the vowel sound in "boat" or "go".
  • bi-: Sounds like "bee" – as in "bee" the insect.
  • -ˈoʊ-: Again, the stressed "oh" sound.
  • -ˈbi: Ending with the stressed 'bee' sound.

How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with "dis": Say "dis" with a short "i" sound, like in "dish."
  2. Add the "oh": Say "oh" as in "go." This is the most important part – make it clear and bright.
  3. Say "be": Say "bee" as in "bee" the insect.
  4. Add the "oh" again: Reiterate the "oh" sound from the previous step.
  5. Final "y": The "y" at the end makes the "be" sound sound slightly more like “bye” so it is not hard to pronounce.

Putting it all together:

Di-sOH-bee

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: Make sure the emphasis is on the second “oh” sound. This is the key to getting the pronunciation correct.
  • Vowel Sound: The "oh" is a mid-sized vowel, not a very long "o" like in "boat" (though it's close).
  • Listen to an example: The best way to learn is to hear it! You can easily find audio examples on sites like:

Would you like me to:

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Usage and examples with the word disobey in English

Let's break down how to use the word "disobey" in English. It's a fairly straightforward word, but understanding its nuances will help you use it correctly.

1. Basic Definition:

"Disobey" means to refuse to follow rules, instructions, or orders. It implies a deliberate act of going against something that is expected of you.

2. Structure:

  • Verb: "Disobey" is a verb – it describes an action.
  • Subject + Disobey + Object (often a rule or instruction)

3. Examples in Sentences:

  • Simple Obedience vs. Disobedience: "My son disobeyed my instructions and went outside without a coat." (He didn't follow what I told him.)
  • Rules & Laws: "The protesters disobeyed the police orders and blocked the road." (They went against the police's instructions.)
  • Formal Rules: "Students are expected to disobey the dress code." (A more formal way to say “not to follow the rules about what they wear”)
  • Orders: "The soldier disobeyed a direct order from his commanding officer." (A serious consequence.)
  • Moral/Ethical Rules: “He disobeyed his conscience and lied to his friends.” (Here, the object is not a rule, but his own moral compass.)

4. Important Related Words & Phrases:

  • Obedience: The opposite of disobedience. “He showed good obedience to his parents.”
  • Disregard: To ignore something; similar to disobeying, but can be less deliberate. “She disregarded the warning signs.”
  • Refuse to obey: A common way to express the idea. "He refused to obey the stationmaster's instructions."
  • Defy: This is a stronger word than disobey and implies a deliberate and open challenge. “The rebels defied the government.”

5. Levels of Seriousness:

The impact of disobeying can vary greatly:

  • Minor Disobedience: "My child disobeyed me by eating the last cookie." (Often playful and doesn't have major consequences.)
  • Serious Disobedience: "The crew disobeyed safety regulations, leading to a major accident." (Can have serious consequences, including legal penalties.)

6. Tone & Context:

  • Formal vs. Informal: “Disobey” is generally considered a somewhat formal word. "Refuse to obey" or "ignore" might be preferred in less formal situations.
  • Moral Implications: The word carries a sense that the action is wrong or inappropriate.

Resources for More Examples:

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Synonyms for the word disobey

Practice with vocabulary disobey

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Employees who consistently _____ company policy face disciplinary action.
  2. It is crucial for citizens not to _____ direct orders from law enforcement during an emergency situation.
  3. The project team must _____ to strict deadlines to ensure timely delivery and client satisfaction.
  4. Children often _____ against their parents' wishes, especially during adolescence, as they seek independence.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions constitutes a valid reason for dismissal in a professional environment? a) Arriving punctually for meetings b) Consistently disobeying safety protocols c) Completing assigned tasks efficiently d) Collaborating effectively with colleagues

  2. Which of the following terms describes the act of refusing to comply with established rules or legitimate authority? a) Conform b) Adhere c) Defy d) Disobey e) Observe

  3. In a complex legal system, a witness might intentionally _____ a subpoena, leading to severe legal repercussions such as contempt of court. a) respect b) honor c) comply with d) disregard e) disobey

  4. To avoid severe financial penalties, all financial institutions must _____ with the new anti-money laundering regulations. a) object b) disregard c) comply d) defy e) resist

  5. The company's board of directors voted unanimously to _____ the merger proposal, moving forward with the acquisition of the smaller firm. a) reject b) prohibit c) authorize d) deny e) oppose

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The student refused to follow the school's strict dress code, which resulted in a formal warning. Rewrite using "disobey":

  2. Original: A failure to adhere to the project manager's critical instructions could lead to significant project delays. Rewrite using a related form of "disobey":

  3. Original: All personnel are required to strictly adhere to the security protocols outlined in the employee handbook. Rewrite without using "disobey" or its forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. disobey
  2. disobey
  3. adhere
  4. rebel

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) disobeying
  2. c) Defy, d) Disobey
  3. d) disregard, e) disobey
  4. c) comply
  5. c) authorize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The student chose to disobey the school's strict dress code, which resulted in a formal warning.
  2. Any act of disobedience towards the project manager's critical instructions could lead to significant project delays.
  3. All personnel are required to strictly comply with the security protocols outlined in the employee handbook.

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