What is environment? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of environment

environmentnoun

/ɪnˈvʌɪrə(n)m(ə)nt//ɛnˈvʌɪrə(n)m(ə)nt/
Definition & pronunciation of environment

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

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables: en-vi-ron-ment

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • en: Sounds like the "en" in "pen" - short and crisp.
  • vi: Sounds like "veh" (like the French "ve") - a quick, light "v" sound.
  • ron: This is the trickiest part! It's pronounced like "urn" – think of the word "urn" itself. It's a bit of a rounded "r" sound, where your tongue curls back slightly. Don't pronounce it like the "ron" in "run."
  • ment: Sounds like "ment" as in "moment."

3. Putting it Together:

So, it sounds like: en-veh-urn-ment

4. Tips & Considerations:

  • Stress: The primary stress (emphasis) is on the third syllable: "urn."
  • Don’t over-emphasize the "r": The "rn" sound isn't as strong as it is in some other words. It’s more of a subtle, rounded sound.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear it! Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "environment" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/environment/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce environment" on YouTube and you'll find many videos.

To summarize, try saying it as: "en-veh-URN-ment"

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some practice words that use similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word environment in English

Let's break down how to use the word "environment" in English. It's a remarkably versatile word with several different meanings. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. The Natural World (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most frequent usage. It refers to the surroundings, including plants, animals, land, water, and air.
  • Examples:
    • “The rainforest is a vital environment for countless species.”
    • "We need to protect the environment from pollution."
    • “They went hiking in the beautiful mountain environment.”
    • “Coral reefs are fragile environments that are threatened by climate change.”

2. A Social/Workplace Setting

  • Definition: This refers to the atmosphere, conditions, or context of a group or organization. It encompasses the relationships, culture, and overall feeling.
  • Examples:
    • “The work environment is very stressful.”
    • “She created a positive environment for her team.”
    • “He thrived in the creative environment of the advertising agency.”
    • “The school environment has a big impact on student behavior.”

3. The Physical Surroundings (Buildings, Spaces)

  • Definition: This refers to a particular place or area, often a built environment.
  • Examples:
    • “The urban environment is becoming increasingly crowded.”
    • “The new office building provides a modern environment for employees.”
    • "They designed a sustainable environment for the community center."

4. The Condition or State of Something

  • Definition: Less common, but it can refer to the condition of a system, organization, or even a person. This implies a state of being or a set of circumstances.
  • Examples:
    • "The current environment for small businesses is challenging." (Meaning: the surrounding conditions are difficult.)
    • "He needs to change his environment to improve his mental health.” (Meaning: he needs to change his surroundings/situation.)

5. (Ecology) The Biological Surroundings

  • Definition: In ecological contexts, it specifically refers to the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors that affect an organism or population.
  • Examples:
    • “The environment plays a crucial role in the survival of the species.”
    • “Scientists are studying the impact of human activity on the marine environment.”

Key Phrases & Related Words:

  • Environmental: (adjective) - Relating to the environment (e.g., “environmental protection”)
  • Environmentally friendly: (adjective) - Safe for the environment.
  • Sustainable environment: (noun phrase) - An environment that can be maintained indefinitely.
  • Pollution: (noun) - The contamination of the environment.
  • Conservation: (noun) - Protecting the environment.
  • Climate change: (noun) – A significant impact on the environment.

Tips for Using "Environment" Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Be specific: If possible, replace “environment” with a more precise word (e.g., “habitat,” “atmosphere,” “setting,” “surroundings”).

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

  • What are you trying to write or say that you want to use the word "environment" in? (e.g., an essay, a conversation, a social media post?)

Synonyms for the word environment

Practice with vocabulary environment

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Concerns about climate change are driving global efforts to protect the natural ______.
  2. Creating a positive work ______ is paramount for fostering employee well-being and productivity.
  3. The harsh desert ______ present significant challenges for organisms attempting to thrive there.
  4. The team thrives in a dynamic and collaborative ______, where ideas are freely exchanged.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms best describes the complex system of physical and biological factors that influence a living organism or ecological community? A) climate B) surroundings C) environment D) habitat

  2. A company's corporate social responsibility initiatives often focus on minimizing its impact on the natural ______. A) environment B) surroundings C) landscape D) terrain

  3. Which of these words can refer to the overall mood, character, or quality of a place or situation, especially a workplace? (Multiple correct answers may apply) A) atmosphere B) environment C) ambiance D) climate

  4. The new campus design aims to integrate seamlessly with the existing local ______ and natural features. A) conditions B) surroundings C) backdrop D) domain

  5. The CEO emphasized the importance of building a robust and resilient organizational ______. A) infrastructure B) culture C) setting D) framework

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite the sentence to include the word "environment" or a related form: The rapid decline in biodiversity is a direct result of human impact on natural habitats.

  2. Rewrite the sentence to include the word "environmental" or a related form: It is crucial for policymakers to consider the long-term effects of their decisions on the planet.

  3. Rewrite the sentence without using the word "environment" or its related forms, replacing it with a suitable word: The company aims to create a workplace that fosters collaboration and mutual respect among employees.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. environment
  2. environment
  3. conditions
  4. setting

Exercise 2:

  1. C) environment
  2. A) environment
  3. A) atmosphere, B) environment, C) ambiance
  4. B) surroundings
  5. B) culture

Exercise 3:

  1. The rapid decline in biodiversity is a direct result of human impact on the natural environment.
  2. It is crucial for policymakers to consider the long-term environmental effects of their decisions.
  3. The company aims to cultivate a workplace culture that fosters collaboration and mutual respect among employees.

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