What is experiment? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of experiment

experimentnoun/verb

/ɪkˈspɛrɪm(ə)nt//ɛkˈspɛrɪm(ə)nt/
Definition & pronunciation of experiment

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

The general sound is: /ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt/

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • i - Like the "i" in "bit" - /ɪ/
  • k - Like the "k" in "kite" - /k/
  • sp - This is the tricky part! It’s pronounced like "sp" as in "split." /sp/
  • e - Like the "e" in "bed" - /e/
  • ri - Like "ri" in "right” /ri/
  • m - Like the "m" in "man" - /m/
  • en - Like "en" in "pen" - /ən/
  • t - Like the "t" in "top" - /t/

Putting it together:

It sounds something like: ihk-SPEER-ih-muhnt

Here's a helpful tip:

  • Many people naturally put the emphasis on the second syllable ("SPEER"). That's the correct emphasis.

Resources to listen:

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word?

Usage and examples with the word experiment in English

Let's break down how to use the word "experiment" effectively in English. It has a few different meanings and uses, so we'll cover them all.

1. As a Scientific Procedure (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most common understanding of "experiment." It refers to a controlled procedure conducted to test a hypothesis or to gain knowledge.
  • Structure: Typically used with phrases like “conduct an experiment,” “perform an experiment,” “scientific experiment.”
  • Example:
    • “Scientists are conducting an experiment to see if a new drug is effective.”
    • “The experiment involved measuring how plant growth changed with different amounts of sunlight.”
    • "They performed an experiment on the effects of caffeine on reaction time."

2. As a Trial or Test (Broader Sense)

  • Meaning: "Experiment" can also mean trying something new, often casually or for fun, to see how it works. It’s about taking a chance and seeing what happens.
  • Structure: Often used with phrases like “experiment with,” “try an experiment.”
  • Examples:
    • “I’m experimenting with a new recipe for cookies.” (Trying a new recipe)
    • "She’s experimenting with different hairstyles." (Trying different styles)
    • “Let’s experiment with a new marketing campaign.” (Trying a new campaign)
    • "He experimented with painting after years of sculpting." (Starting a new hobby)

3. As a Figurative Use (Risk-Taking/Innovation)

  • Meaning: In a more figurative sense, “experiment” can describe a bold or risky undertaking, especially in business, art, or personal life. It suggests innovation and a willingness to take chances.
  • Structure: Often used with phrases like “experiment in” or “experiment with.”
  • Examples:
    • “The company is experimenting in sustainable manufacturing practices.” (Trying new environmentally friendly methods)
    • "He's experimenting with new approaches to therapy." (Trying innovative therapeutic techniques)
    • "She experimented with minimalism in her lifestyle.” (Trying a more simplified way of living).

Key Phrases and Related Words:

  • Hypothesis: A testable statement about what you expect to happen in an experiment.
  • Variables: Factors that can be changed or measured in an experiment (independent and dependent variables).
  • Control group: A group in an experiment that doesn’t receive the treatment being tested, used for comparison.
  • Results: The outcomes of an experiment.
  • Conclusion: What you learned from the results.

Tips for Using "Experiment" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the context of the sentence to understand which meaning of "experiment" is being used.
  • Be specific: When describing an experiment, provide details about the procedure, the variables, and the expected outcome.
  • Don't overuse: While "experiment" is a useful word, avoid using it too frequently in casual conversation.

Can you give me an example sentence where you'd like to use the word "experiment"? I can help you refine it to be as clear and effective as possible.

Synonyms for the word experiment

Practice with vocabulary experiment

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The scientists conducted a groundbreaking _________ to test their new theory on quantum entanglement.
  2. Before launching the product, the marketing team decided to _________ with different advertising strategies to gauge consumer response.
  3. His lack of practical _________ in the lab led to several avoidable errors during the chemical synthesis.
  4. Extensive _________ is required before proposing a new drug to the regulatory authorities for approval.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The research team needs to _________ with various chemical compositions to find the optimal formula for the new adhesive. A) innovate B) experiment C) predict D) analyze E) test

  2. Before full-scale production, engineers often conduct small-scale _________ to validate design changes and identify potential flaws. A) simulations B) experiments C) hypotheses D) analyses E) trials

  3. Her innovative approach to educational reform was a bold _________ in a traditionally conservative academic environment, though its long-term impact is still being assessed. A) tradition B) experiment C) assumption D) doctrine E) custom

  4. The preliminary _________ suggested a strong correlation between reduced sleep and decreased cognitive function in the study participants. A) proposals B) outcomes C) observations D) procedures E) theories

  5. Effective data _________ is crucial for drawing valid conclusions from complex datasets in epidemiological studies. A) synthesis B) interpretation C) manipulation D) exploration E) analysis

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company is trying out new methods to improve customer engagement and loyalty. Rewrite:

  2. Scientists carried out a series of tests to confirm the drug's efficacy and safety. Rewrite:

  3. It is important to observe the patient's reactions closely after administering the new medication. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. experiment
  2. experiment
  3. experience
  4. research

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B, E (experiment, test)
  2. B, E (experiments, trials)
  3. B (experiment)
  4. B, C (outcomes, observations)
  5. B, E (interpretation, analysis)

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company is experimenting with new methods to improve customer engagement and loyalty.
  2. Scientists conducted a series of experiments to confirm the drug's efficacy and safety.
  3. It is important to monitor the patient's reactions closely after administering the new medication.

Comment ()