What is evacuate? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of evacuate

evacuateverb

/ɪˈvakjʊeɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of evacuate

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "evacuate" in English. It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "e-vah": This is the most important part. It sounds like the "e" in "bed" or "head." It's a short, open "e" sound.

2. The "cu"-part:

  • "cute": This is the trickiest part. The "cu" sound is almost like the "cute" sound, but it's slightly more emphasized and pulled forward in the mouth. It's a "kewt" sound, but quicker.

3. The "-ate" ending:

  • "ayt": This is pronounced like the "ate" in "date" or "late." A simple, short "a" sound.

Putting it all together:

It sounds roughly like: "eh-VAH-cute-ayt"

Here's a helpful breakdown to visualize it:

  • eh – like in "bed"
  • VAH – pronounced like “vah” (emphasize the second syllable)
  • cute – a quick, slightly emphasized “kewt” sound
  • ayt – like “ate”

Resources for Hearing it:

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Stress: The second syllable ("VAH") is stressed.
  • Speed: Don’t draw it out too much. It's a relatively quick word.
  • Focus on the "cute" sound: Really try to get that "kewt" sound right – it's the key to sounding natural.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Break it down further into smaller syllables?

Usage and examples with the word evacuate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "evacuate" correctly. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

"Evacuate" means to move people out of a dangerous place, typically due to an emergency like a fire, flood, war, or natural disaster. It’s about removing people from harm's way.

2. Different Contexts & Forms:

  • Verb (Most Common): This is the action of moving people.

    • Example: “The authorities ordered the evacuation of the coastal town due to the approaching hurricane.”
    • Example: “Residents were evacuated from their homes after the factory fire.”

  • Verb (Passive Voice): People are being moved.

    • Example: “Thousands of people were evacuated to a shelter.”

  • Adjective: Describing something being evacuated.

    • Example: “The evacuation route was clearly marked.” (Referring to the route itself)
    • Example: “We are conducting an evacuation drill.” (Referring to the process)

  • Noun: The act of moving people.

    • Example: “The evacuation process was surprisingly efficient.”

3. Key Phrases & Related Words:

  • Evacuation order: An official instruction to leave a certain area.
  • Evacuation route: The planned path to safety.
  • Evacuation center: A designated place where people go during an evacuation.
  • Shelter-in-place: An alternative to evacuation – staying in your home and protecting yourself. (Used when evacuation isn't possible or advised).
  • Mass evacuation: A large-scale evacuation involving many people.

4. Examples in Sentences to Illustrate Different Uses:

  • Emergency: "Following the earthquake, the city mobilized to evacuate residents from buildings deemed unsafe."
  • Military: “The troops were evacuated from the battlefield under cover of darkness.”
  • School: “The school conducted a regular evacuation drill to prepare students for a potential fire.”
  • Planning: "The emergency preparedness team is reviewing the evacuation plan for the region."

5. Tips for Using it Correctly:

  • Specificity: Be clear about what is being evacuated (people, buildings, areas).
  • Context: The word implies a threat and a need to remove people to safety.
  • Formal Tone: “Evacuate” is considered a fairly formal word.

Resources for More Information:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how “evacuate” differs from similar words (like “escape” or “relocate”)?
  • Help you write a sentence using “evacuate”?

Synonyms for the word evacuate

Practice with vocabulary evacuate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Due to the approaching hurricane, authorities issued an order to _______ the coastal areas immediately.
  2. The emergency services had to _______ the entire apartment building after a gas leak was reported.
  3. The team was forced to _______ their research facility when funding ran out, leaving all equipment behind.
  4. After the successful presentation, the delegates began to _______ the conference hall, heading to the networking reception.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Following the discovery of a suspicious package, what action would security personnel typically take regarding the immediate vicinity? a) Rebuild the area b) Evacuate the area c) Decorate the area d) Expand the area

  2. When a chemical spill occurred, the safety team ordered all non-essential personnel to ________ the laboratory. a) vacate b) enter c) evacuate d) reorganize

  3. In preparation for the impending blizzard, local authorities planned to ________ vulnerable residents from low-lying areas. (Choose all that apply) a) extract b) relocate c) abandon d) evacuate

  4. The tenant was given 30 days' notice to ________ the apartment, as the landlord planned major renovations. a) evict b) vacate c) purchase d) occupy

  5. Due to repeated disciplinary issues, the student was permanently ________ from the university. a) graduated b) enrolled c) expelled d) transferred

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The community was told to leave their homes quickly because of the sudden flood. (Rewrite using "evacuate")
  2. In the event of an earthquake, everyone should exit the building immediately. (Rewrite using "evacuate" or a related word form)
  3. The staff had to move the valuable documents to a secure location before the storm hit. (Rewrite, but do not use "evacuate")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. evacuate
  2. evacuate
  3. abandon
  4. depart

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Evacuate the area
  2. c) evacuate
  3. b) relocate, d) evacuate
  4. b) vacate
  5. c) expelled

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The community was instructed to evacuate their homes quickly due to the sudden flood.
  2. An immediate evacuation of the building is required in the event of an earthquake.
  3. The staff had to relocate the valuable documents to a secure location before the storm hit.

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