What is drink? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of drink

drinkverb/noun

/drɪŋk/
Definition & pronunciation of drink

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "drink" in English. It's a common stumbling block for learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /drɪŋk/ (rhymes with "pink")

Let's break that down further:

  • "dr": This is pronounced like the "d" in "dog" followed by a quick "r" sound. Don't overemphasize the "r" – it's a very subtle sound.
  • "i": This is pronounced like the "i" in "bit" or "sit."
  • "nk": This is a single, quick sound, similar to the "ink" in "think." The "k" sound is very short and not emphasized.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • Diphthong: The "i" sound in "drink" is a diphthong, meaning it's a combination of two vowel sounds blended together. It starts with a sound similar to "ih" (as in "bit") and quickly moves towards a "uh" sound. This is the key to the sound!

Resources to help you hear it:

Tips for practicing:

  1. Listen carefully: Pay close attention to the pronunciation in the resources above.
  2. Record yourself: Record yourself saying "drink" and compare it to the native pronunciation.
  3. Slow it down: Don't rush! Focus on getting the diphthong ("ih-uh") sound right first.
  4. Practice with words that start with "dr": Try pronouncing words like "drink," "drive," and "dress."

Do you want me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you some example sentences you can practice saying?

Usage and examples with the word drink in English

Let's break down how to use the word "drink" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown categorized by usage:

1. As a Verb (Action - to consume liquid)

  • Basic meaning: This is the most common use – to consume a liquid.
    • "I drink water."
    • "She drinks coffee every morning."
    • "He drank a glass of juice." (Past tense)
    • "They will drink lemonade at the picnic." (Future tense)
  • Specific Drinks:
    • "I drink beer."
    • "He drinks wine."
    • "She drinks tea."
    • "We drink soda."
    • "They drink milk."
  • Figurative/Idiomatic Uses:
    • "Drink in the scenery:**" To fully appreciate and absorb something. "Take a moment to drink in the beautiful view."
    • "Drink your tea:**" (Informal) – To finish something quickly. "Just drink your tea and hurry up!"
    • "Drink to…:**" (Formal) – To propose or toast. "Let's drink to the bride and groom!"

2. As a Noun (The liquid being consumed)

  • General Liquid:
    • "I need a drink." (Meaning: I need a beverage.)
    • "Would you like a drink?" (Offering a beverage)
    • "Water is essential for life.” (Water is a drink).
  • Specific Drinks:
    • "He ordered a large drink." (Could be beer, soda, juice, etc.)
    • “She made a drink for the party.” (A cocktail or mixed beverage)
  • Containers for Drinks:
    • "He used a drink to pour his water." (A cup, glass, bottle, etc.)

3. Phrases & Idioms with "Drink"

  • "Take a drink": To have a small amount of alcohol. "Let’s take a drink."
  • "A drink on me": Offering to pay for someone's drink. "That drink is on me."
  • "To be a heavy drinker": To consume a large amount of alcohol.
  • "Drink up!": (Informal) – To finish your drink. "Drink up! It's getting cold."

Tips for Using "Drink" Correctly:

  • Tense: Remember to use the correct tense (present, past, future) – “I drink,” “I drank,” “I will drink.”
  • Plural: The plural of “drink” is “drinks” – “They drink milk.”
  • Context: Pay attention to the context to understand if "drink" refers to an action or a liquid.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "drink"? (e.g., write a sentence, understand a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word drink

Idioms of the word drink

the demon drink
(British English, humorous)alcoholic drink
    drive somebody to drink
    (humorous)to make somebody so worried, annoyed or upset that they lose control of their behaviour, especially by drinking too much alcohol
    • The stress drove her to drink and put a strain on her marriage.
    • Dragging kids through airports is enough to drive you to drink.
    meat and drink to somebody
    something that somebody enjoys very much
    • This degree of chaos is meat and drink to Guy.
    something that is a normal thing to deal with for somebody
    • This kind of research task is meat and drink to these students.

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