What is enter? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of enter

enterverb

/ˈɛntə/
Definition & pronunciation of enter

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "enter" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "en-": This part sounds like "en" as in "pen" or "hen". It's a short, crisp sound.
  • "-ter": This is the tricky part! It’s a combination of sounds:
    • "t": Pronounce the "t" clearly.
    • "er": This is a diphthong, meaning it’s a glide from one vowel sound to another. Think of it as starting with a short "uh" sound (like in "but") and moving smoothly to an "er" sound (as in "her"). It’s often described as a "butter" sound – like you're saying “butter” quickly.

2. Putting it Together:

When you blend it all together, it sounds like: "en-ter" (with that light "uh" to "er" glide in the "-ter" part).

3. Tips for Practicing:

  • Slow it down: Say "en" and then "ter" separately, then slowly put them together.

  • Listen to examples: This is crucial. Here are some resources:

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "enter" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Common Mistakes:

  • Saying "ent-er": Many people separate the words too much. Focus on the smooth glide between the vowel sounds.
  • Over-emphasizing the "er": The "er" sound should be relatively short and quick.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a few more example words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word enter in English

Let's break down how to use the word "enter" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and uses. Here’s a comprehensive guide:

1. To Come Into a Place (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent way "enter" is used. It means to go into a building, room, or space.
  • Examples:
    • “Please enter the building through the main doors.”
    • “I entered the classroom and took a seat.”
    • “He entered his code to unlock the door.”
    • “She entered the competition.” (meaning she joined it)

2. To Begin or Start Something

  • Meaning: "Enter" can mean to begin an activity, process, or obligation.
  • Examples:
    • “The new policy will enter into effect next month.”
    • “He entered into a contract with the company.”
    • “She entered a state of deep meditation.”
    • “The patient entered the hospital.” (meaning they were admitted)

3. To Type Information (Computer/Digital)

  • Meaning: This refers to typing data into a computer, database, or online system.
  • Examples:
    • “Enter your username and password.”
    • “Please enter your credit card details.”
    • “Enter the data into the spreadsheet.”

4. To Join a Group or Organization (Formal)

  • Meaning: To officially become a member.
  • Examples:
    • "He entered the military."
    • “She entered the guild.” (in a role-playing game)

5. (Less Common) To Insert Physically

  • Meaning: To put something into something else – less frequently used, but it exists.
  • Examples:
    • “Enter the key into the lock.” (meaning insert the key)
    • “He entered the information into the database.” (meaning he typed it in)

Key Differences & Synonyms:

  • Enter vs. Go: “Enter” is generally more formal than “go.” “Go” is often used for moving freely, while “enter” suggests a more defined entrance.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, synonyms for "enter" include:
    • Come in: (most common synonym for entering a building)
    • Go in
    • Join
    • Start
    • Input (especially in a digital context)
    • Admit (especially for hospitals or entering a competition)

Phrases with "Enter":

  • Entertain: To provide amusement or enjoyment.
  • Enter into: To begin a relationship or agreement.
  • Entertain a doubt: To have a lingering question or uncertainty.

Tips for Using "Enter" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning of "enter" is intended.
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Enter" is a slightly more formal word than "go."

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

  • What kind of context are you using "enter" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving instructions, talking about a computer, etc.)

Synonyms for the word enter

Practice with vocabulary enter

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ______ the building, all visitors must register at the front desk.
  2. Before submitting your application, please carefully ______ all the required details into the online form.
  3. The company aims to ______ new international markets next year to expand its global reach.
  4. Students are encouraged to ______ actively in class discussions to enhance their learning experience.

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

  1. Which of the following words can correctly complete the sentence: "Businesses often look for opportunities to ______ new markets"? a) commence b) join c) enter d) penetrate e) enroll

  2. After the security check, employees are permitted to ______ the data center. a) access b) proceed into c) join d) enter e) approach

  3. Please ______ your credentials into the system before attempting to download the files. a) input b) provide c) submit d) enter e) fill in

  4. To successfully ______ the negotiation, both parties need to be prepared for concessions. a) conclude b) initiate c) participate in d) finalize e) commence

  5. Project managers are expected to ______ the details of any major risks in their weekly reports. a) include b) record c) enclose d) state e) list

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence using "enter" or a related word form: The company aims to expand its operations into the South American region next year.

  2. Rewrite the sentence using "enter" or a related word form: You need to type in your user ID and password to log into the portal.

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using "enter" or any related word forms: The board members decided to start a new phase of discussions regarding the merger.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. access
  2. enter
  3. enter
  4. participate

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) enter, d) penetrate
  2. a) access, b) proceed into, d) enter
  3. a) input, d) enter
  4. b) initiate, e) commence
  5. a) include, b) record, d) state, e) list

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company aims to enter the South American region next year.
  2. You need to enter your user ID and password to log into the portal.
  3. The board members decided to commence a new phase of discussions regarding the merger.

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