What is energy? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of energy

energynoun

/ˈɛnədʒi/
Definition & pronunciation of energy

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "energy" in English. Here's a breakdown and the best way to do it:

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • uhn- (like the "un" in "under") – This is the initial syllable.
  • jee- (rhymes with "gee") – This is the second syllable.
  • ruh (short "uh" sound, as in "cup") – This is the final syllable.

Putting it together: uhn-jee-ruh

Here's a more detailed explanation of each sound:

  • "uhn": Think of saying "un" very quickly and subtly. It's a short, almost silent "uh" sound.
  • "jee": This is a bright, clear “j” sound – like in the word “jump.” Don't say "je."
  • "ruh": This is a very short, unstressed "uh" sound, almost like you're whispering "uh." It’s similar to the "uh" in "but".

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Translate: Type "energy" into Google Translate, click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • YouGlish: This website shows you how words are pronounced in real-world contexts from YouTube videos. (https://youglish.com/) Search for "energy" and watch videos to hear native speakers.
  • Forvo: A website with pronunciations from native speakers. (https://forvo.com/)

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don’t over-emphasize the first syllable. It's the weakest part of the word.
  • Keep the “ruh” very short and quiet.
  • Listen to native speakers and try to mimic their rhythm and intonation.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word energy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "energy" in English! It's a very versatile word with multiple meanings. Here's a breakdown by category, with examples:

1. Physical Energy (Power & Movement)

  • Definition: The ability to do work, to move, to act.
  • Usage: This is the most common understanding – the force that allows things to happen.
  • Examples:
    • "He has a lot of energy for a marathon runner." (Physical stamina)
    • "The car needs a new battery – it’s running out of energy." (Electrical power)
    • "The sun provides us with energy." (Solar power)
    • “The child has boundless energy and is always running around.”

2. Mental & Emotional Energy (Enthusiasm & Drive)

  • Definition: Feeling motivated, enthusiastic, and capable of tackling things. It’s about having the will and drive to do something.
  • Usage: This refers to your internal drive and spirit.
  • Examples:
    • "She brought a lot of energy to the meeting." (Enthusiasm, passion)
    • "He needs to recharge his energy after a long week." (Mental and emotional recovery)
    • "The team is full of energy and ready to win!" (Motivation, drive)
    • "Don't waste your energy on worrying about things you can't control." (Avoid unnecessary emotional expenditure)

3. As a Source or Resource (Potential)

  • Definition: Something that can be used to power or fuel something else.
  • Usage: This is often used metaphorically, indicating a valuable resource.
  • Examples:
    • "Wind energy is a clean source of power." (Renewable resource)
    • "This company relies on energy from its investors." (Financial resources)
    • "She has a lot of energy in her work – she's always generating new ideas." (Creative potential)

4. Describing a Vibe or Atmosphere (Feeling)

  • Definition: A lively, positive, or dynamic feeling or mood.
  • Usage: Describes a general atmosphere.
  • Examples:
    • "The party had a great energy." (Excitement, liveliness)
    • "There’s a lot of energy in this city." (Vibrant, bustling)
    • “The room had a strange energy about it.” (Eerie, unsettling – can be positive or negative)

5. “Get Your Energy Up” – A Phrase

  • Usage: This is a common idiom, meaning to become more active, motivated, or stimulated.
  • Example: "I'm feeling tired; I need to get my energy up before the meeting."

Tips for Using "Energy" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "energy" depends heavily on the surrounding words and situation.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like power, drive, enthusiasm, vitality, motivation to add nuance.
  • Figurative Language: “Energy” is frequently used metaphorically to describe intangible qualities.

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

  • What are you trying to write or say that you want to use the word "energy" in? (e.g., a story, an email, a description of a feeling)

Synonyms for the word energy

Idioms of the word energy

a ball of energy/fire
(informal)a person who is full of energy and enthusiasm

    Practice with vocabulary energy

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The government aims to transition to clean _______ sources within the next decade.
    2. Managing multiple complex projects simultaneously requires significant mental _______.
    3. Despite the team's best efforts, they lacked the _______ to overcome the opponent's strong defense in the final quarter.
    4. The factory has upgraded its machinery to boost production _______ and efficiency.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    Choose the best word(s) to complete each sentence. There may be multiple correct answers for some questions.

    1. What is most crucial for sustainable development and reducing carbon emissions globally? a) Vigor b) Energy c) Force d) Might

    2. Which terms describe the capacity to do work or the active state of a system? a) Power b) Velocity c) Energy d) Momentum

    3. To effectively manage this crisis, we need to channel all our collective _______ towards finding a solution. a) effort b) vigor c) energy d) resources

    4. To lead a successful team, one must possess strong communication skills and exceptional _______. a) prowess b) conviction c) empathy d) drive

    5. The new policies are designed to increase the nation's economic _______ and competitiveness in the global market. a) power b) strength c) vigor d) capacity

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    Rewrite each sentence as instructed, retaining the original meaning.

    1. The constant meetings and tight deadlines have left me feeling extremely drained. (Use "energy")
    2. The dynamic new CEO brought a lot of enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the struggling company. (Use a word form related to "energy")
    3. The machine is capable of processing a vast amount of data in a short time. (Do not use "energy" or its related forms)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. energy
    2. energy
    3. strength
    4. capacity

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) Energy
    2. a) Power, c) Energy
    3. a) effort, c) energy, d) resources
    4. d) drive
    5. a) power, b) strength, d) capacity

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The constant meetings and tight deadlines have drained all my energy. / The constant meetings and tight deadlines have depleted my energy levels.
    2. The dynamic new CEO energized the struggling company with her enthusiasm and fresh perspective.
    3. The machine has a high capacity for processing data quickly.

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