What is durable? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of durable

durableadjective

/ˈdjʊərəbl//ˈdʊrəbl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "durable." It can be a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • DYUR-uh-bəl

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • DYUR: This is the first syllable and sounds like the word "deer" but with a "d" sound at the beginning. The "y" makes it a little bit longer than a simple "dur" sound.
  • uh: This is a short, neutral vowel sound, like the "a" in "about."
  • bəl: This is the last syllable. "bəl" sounds like "bell" but shorter. The "l" is a light, soft "l" sound.

Here's a helpful breakdown with phonetic symbols (if you're familiar with those):

/ˈdʊrəbəl/

Tips and Considerations:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: "DYUR."
  • "R" sound: Make sure to pronounce the "r" in "durable." It’s a subtle but important sound.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "uh": The middle syllable is a brief, neutral sound.

Resources to help you hear it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word durable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "durable" in English. It's a really useful word for describing something's quality and ability to withstand use.

1. Meaning:

"Durable" means able to withstand wear, pressure, or the effects of time. It describes something that is strong, long-lasting, and doesn't easily break or become damaged.

2. Parts of Speech:

  • Adjective: This is the most common usage. You use it to describe something.
    • Example: "This chair is durable and can support a lot of weight."
  • Noun: Less common, but you can use it to refer to the quality of being durable.
    • Example: "The durable nature of the steel made it ideal for building bridges."

3. How to Use it as an Adjective - Examples:

Here’s a breakdown with different contexts:

  • Materials:

    • "The jacket is made of durable nylon." (Referring to the material’s strength)
    • "This drawer is constructed with durable wood." (Highlighting the material's longevity)
    • "The flooring is durable and resistant to scratches." (Describing a specific property)

  • Products/Equipment:

    • "This is a durable tool, perfect for heavy-duty work."
    • "We bought a durable washing machine that should last for years."
    • “The company specializes in producing durable electronics.”

  • Construction/Design:

    • "The building was designed for durable construction against earthquakes.”
    • "The bridges are built with durable cables."

  • Abstract Concepts (less common, but possible): You can sometimes use it to describe things that are resilient or long-lasting in a more metaphorical sense.

    • “He demonstrated durable optimism in the face of adversity.” (Meaning he maintained a positive attitude despite challenges)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Strong
  • Robust
  • Resilient
  • Long-lasting
  • Sturdy
  • Reliable
  • Permanent

5. Common Phrases:

  • Durable goods: This refers to products that are designed to last a long time (e.g., appliances, furniture, cars – as opposed to “perishable goods” like food).
  • Durable quality: Emphasizes the superior strength and longevity of something.
  • "Built to last": A common phrase that conveys durability.

6. Example Sentences (Combining Different Uses):

  • "The hikers chose a durable backpack to carry their supplies." (Describing the backpack)
  • "Investing in durable equipment can save money in the long run." (Referring to the quality of equipment)
  • "The durable nature of the leather ensured that the shoes would maintain their shape." (Highlighting the material's qualities)

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

  • What are you trying to use "durable" in? (e.g., writing a description, answering a question, etc.)
  • What is the context? (e.g., talking about furniture, cars, a person’s character, etc.)

Synonyms for the word durable

Practice with vocabulary durable

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company prides itself on producing footwear that is both stylish and incredibly ____________, designed to withstand daily wear for years.
  2. Investing in ____________ infrastructure is crucial for ensuring the long-term economic stability of the region.
  3. To ensure the project's success, the team developed a ____________ plan that could adapt to unforeseen challenges.
  4. Many consumers are now opting for products made from ____________ materials to minimize their environmental impact.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which characteristics are essential for outdoor industrial equipment? a) Fragile b) Disposable c) Durable d) Delicate e) Robust

  2. When selecting materials for high-traffic public spaces, what qualities should be prioritized to ensure longevity and low maintenance? a) Hard-wearing b) Short-lived c) Durable d) Easily stained e) Resilient

  3. A product designed to last for many years, resisting wear and tear, can be described as: a) Flimsy b) Sturdy c) Perishable d) Long-lasting e) Durable

  4. Which words describe a person's unwavering commitment to a difficult task despite obstacles? a) Persistent b) Fickle c) Resolute d) Hesitant e) Consistent

  5. What qualities define a financial system capable of withstanding economic shocks and recovering quickly? a) Vulnerable b) Fragile c) Resilient d) Robust e) Unstable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: This new generation of smartphones is built to withstand accidental drops and everyday use for a longer period than previous models. Rewrite: (Use "durable" or a related word form)

  2. Original: The company aims to produce goods that do not wear out quickly, ensuring customers get long-term value from their purchases. Rewrite: (Use "durable" or a related word form)

  3. Original: Despite facing significant challenges, the small business managed to recover quickly and continue its operations effectively. Rewrite: (Do not use "durable", but use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. durable
  2. durable
  3. resilient
  4. sustainable

Exercise 2:

  1. c) Durable, e) Robust
  2. a) Hard-wearing, c) Durable, e) Resilient
  3. b) Sturdy, d) Long-lasting, e) Durable
  4. a) Persistent, c) Resolute, e) Consistent
  5. c) Resilient, d) Robust

Exercise 3:

  1. Rewrite: This new generation of smartphones is designed to be highly durable, capable of withstanding accidental drops and everyday use for a longer period.
  2. Rewrite: The company prioritizes the production of goods with high durability, ensuring customers get long-term value from their purchases.
  3. Rewrite: Despite facing significant challenges, the small business proved remarkably resilient, managing to recover quickly and continue its operations effectively.

Comment ()