What is expensive? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of expensive

expensiveadjective

/ɪkˈspɛnsɪv//ɛkˈspɛnsɪv/
Definition & pronunciation of expensive

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

1. Syllables:

The word "expensive" is actually divided into three syllables:

  • ex - (rhymes with "text")
  • pen - (rhymes with "pen")
  • sive - (rhymes with "live")

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet - which is the most accurate):

  • ˈɛks.pens.ɪv
    • ˈɛks (ex) - The 'x' is pronounced like a normal 'x' sound
    • pens (pen) - Rhymes with 'pen'
    • ɪv (sive) - This is a short 'i' sound, like in "bit."

3. A More Spoken Guide:

Here's a way to say it that's easier to understand:

  • "Ex-pen-sive" – Say each syllable distinctly and then blend them together.

4. Key Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • The "s" sound: Don't pronounce it as a standard "s." It's a slightly softer "s" sound, like in "ship."
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable, "ex." That’s what makes it sound right.
  • Don't over-elongate: It’s a reasonably quick word. Don't drag out the sounds too much.

Resources for Hearing It:

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

  • Where are you from? (This can help me tailor the explanation to common pronunciation differences.)

Usage and examples with the word expensive in English

Let's break down how to use the word "expensive" in English. It's a common and versatile word, but it's important to use it correctly to convey the right meaning.

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Expensive means costing a lot of money. It’s a subjective term – what's expensive to one person might not be to another.

2. Sentence Structure & Usage:

  • Describing Something Directly:

    • “That car is expensive.” (Simple, stating a fact)
    • “This dress is very expensive.” (Adding emphasis)
    • “The hotel room was exceptionally expensive.” (Highlighting it's beyond the usual)

  • Using "too" or "so":

    • “It's too expensive for me to buy.” (Expressing it's beyond your budget)
    • “The tickets were so expensive that we couldn’t go.” (Expressing surprise or regret)

  • With Comparatives:

    • “This is more expensive than that.” (Comparing two items)
    • “A luxury watch is much more expensive than a simple bracelet.” (Highlighting a significant difference)

  • With Superlatives:

    • “This is the most expensive restaurant in the city.” (Identifying the highest price)

  • With "than" (for comparison):

    • “My new phone is more expensive than my old one.”

3. Variations & Related Words:

  • Expensive things: "luxury goods," "high-priced items," "costly investments."
  • Expensive to maintain: "It's expensive to maintain a classic car." (Meaning it requires a lot of upkeep and money)
  • Costly: Similar to expensive, often used for larger investments (e.g., “a costly mistake”).
  • Pricey: (Informal) - Similar to expensive, often used for smaller items. “This coffee is pretty pricey.”

4. Phrases Using "Expensive":

  • "It's an expensive pleasure." (Something enjoyable but costly – like a fancy vacation.)
  • "That's an expensive habit." (A habit that involves a lot of money – like smoking.)
  • "The price is steep." (Similar to expensive; implying a high cost)

5. Examples in Context:

  • "Buying a home in this area is expensive."
  • "These designer shoes are very expensive."
  • "The repairs to the roof were surprisingly expensive."
  • "I can't afford a so expensive car right now."
  • "This software is too expensive for a small business."

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

  • What are you trying to do with the word "expensive"? (e.g., Are you writing a sentence, having a conversation, etc.?)
  • Can you give me a specific example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word expensive

Practice with vocabulary expensive

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. Investing in a robust cybersecurity system, though initially challenging, can prevent an extremely _____ data breach in the future.
  2. The company is actively looking for more _____ shipping options to reduce overall logistics costs.
  3. Developing custom software solutions for enterprise-level clients is often an incredibly _____ process, requiring significant time and resources.
  4. Before making a purchasing decision, it's essential to compare the quality and _____ of various suppliers.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Choose ALL correct answers for each question.

  1. The annual subscription for the premium analytics platform is quite _____, but its features are indispensable for market research. A) cheap B) affordable C) expensive D) reasonable E) pricey

  2. To streamline operations, the project manager proposed a more _____ approach to resource allocation. A) wasteful B) efficient C) extravagant D) unproductive E) lavish

  3. Acquiring prime commercial real estate in the city center has become increasingly _____ for new businesses. A) affordable B) inexpensive C) exorbitant D) cheap E) expensive

  4. Due to the unexpected market downturn, the company had to revise its annual _____ downwards. A) revenue B) profit C) budget D) capital E) earnings

  5. Repairing the antique machinery turned out to be a surprisingly _____ and complex undertaking. A) inexpensive B) costly C) thrifty D) cheap E) expensive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite each sentence using the word in parentheses, ensuring the meaning remains the same.

  1. The high cost of maintaining vintage cars often deters potential buyers. (expensive)
  2. We aim to offer our clients high-quality services at a price point that is accessible to a wider audience. (affordable)
  3. Setting up a state-of-the-art research laboratory will require a substantial financial investment. (expensive)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. expensive
  2. affordable
  3. expensive
  4. price

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) expensive, E) pricey
  2. B) efficient
  3. C) exorbitant, E) expensive
  4. C) budget
  5. B) costly, E) expensive

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Maintaining vintage cars is often expensive, which deters potential buyers.
  2. We aim to offer our clients high-quality services that are affordable for a wider audience.
  3. Setting up a state-of-the-art research laboratory will be an expensive financial investment.

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