What is fasten? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of fasten

fastenverb

/ˈfɑːsn/
Definition & pronunciation of fasten

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fasten." It’s a tricky one for some! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /fəˈstɛn/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. “fə” - This is pronounced like “fuh.” It’s a short, unstressed vowel sound.
  2. “ˈstɛn” - This is the stressed syllable.
    • “st” - pronounced like “st” as in “stop.”
    • “ɛ” - This is a short “e” sound, like in “bed” or “set.” Don’t say “ay.”
    • “n” - pronounced as a regular “n.”

Here’s a little more detail to help:

  • Emphasis: The stress is on the second syllable ("stɛn"). This is crucial.
  • Don't say "fass-ten": The “a” sound in "fast" isn't present in the word "fasten."

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce fasten" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/fasten/ - Forvo is a website with native speaker pronunciations from around the world.

To recap: fuh-STENN

Do you want me to:

  • Say it slowly?
  • Give you a phonetic transcription (using symbols)?

Usage and examples with the word fasten in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fasten" in English. It's a versatile word with a range of meanings, primarily relating to securing something tightly.

1. Core Meaning: To Secure with a Fastener

The most basic meaning of "fasten" is to attach or secure something using a fastener, like a buckle, strap, screw, or button.

  • Examples:
    • "Please fasten your seatbelt." (Using a buckle)
    • "She fastened her hat to her hair with a clip." (Using a clip)
    • "He fastened the window shut to keep out the cold." (Using a latch or bolt)
    • "The carpenter fastened the planks together with screws." (Using screws)

2. Variations and Related Uses:

  • Fasten down: To secure something in place, often with straps or ropes, to prevent it from moving.
    • "We need to fasten down the furniture before the move."
  • Fasten a button: Specifically to attach a button to a garment.
    • “Can you fasten the button on my coat?”
  • Fasten together: To join or connect two things.
    • “They fastened the boxes together with tape.”
  • Fasten your shoelaces: (Informal) – To tie your shoelaces.
    • “Don’t forget to fasten your shoelaces before you run.”

3. Figurative Usage (Less Common, but Important):

"Fasten" can also have a more figurative meaning, relating to solidifying or establishing something mentally or emotionally.

  • Fasten your resolve: To strengthen your determination.
    • “He fastened his resolve and continued working on the project, despite the difficulties.”
  • Fasten your thoughts: to concentrate or focus your mind.
    • “Try to fasten your thoughts on the task at hand.”

4. Phrases Using "Fasten":

  • Fasten your seatbelt: (A very common phrase)
  • Fasten your gaze: (To stare intently)
  • Fasten on someone: (To pay close attention to someone)

Tips for Using "Fasten":

  • Think of it as "attach securely." That's a good starting point for understanding its core meaning.
  • Consider the object being fastened. The specific verb you use (e.g., secure, attach, connect) will depend on how it’s being fastened.
  • Be aware of the figurative usage. It's not used as frequently as the literal meaning, but it’s good to know it exists.

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "fasten"? (e.g., writing a story, giving instructions, talking about a specific object?)

Synonyms for the word fasten

Practice with vocabulary fasten

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Passengers are reminded to _______ their seatbelts securely before takeoff for their safety.
  2. The technician carefully _______ the new component to the main circuit board, ensuring a stable connection.
  3. Please _______ the lid tightly to prevent any spills during transit.
  4. Before implementing the new policy, management needs to _______ that all legal requirements have been met.

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

  1. To ensure your safety, please _______ the safety harness before beginning the climb. A) adjust B) fasten C) secure D) release
  2. Please _______ the latch on the cabinet door to keep it from swinging open in the wind. A) shut B) close C) fasten D) open
  3. The construction workers used special clamps to _______ the two steel beams together. A) separate B) tighten C) attach D) fasten
  4. The team leader decided to _______ the project timeline during the morning briefing. A) discuss B) conceal C) present D) ignore
  5. To get a clearer image, you should carefully _______ the lens on the microscope. A) focus B) widen C) magnify D) blur

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The pilot told all passengers to secure their seatbelts before the plane took off.
  2. She used a strong adhesive to attach the decorative elements to the frame.
  3. It's important to make sure all connections are tight before starting the machinery.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Passengers are reminded to fasten their seatbelts securely before takeoff for their safety.
  2. The technician carefully attached the new component to the main circuit board, ensuring a stable connection.
  3. Please fasten the lid tightly to prevent any spills during transit.
  4. Before implementing the new policy, management needs to verify that all legal requirements have been met.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. To ensure your safety, please B) fasten, C) secure the safety harness before beginning the climb.
  2. Please A) shut, B) close, C) fasten the latch on the cabinet door to keep it from swinging open in the wind.
  3. The construction workers used special clamps to C) attach, D) fasten the two steel beams together.
  4. The team leader decided to A) discuss, C) present the project timeline during the morning briefing.
  5. To get a clearer image, you should carefully A) focus the lens on the microscope.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The pilot instructed all passengers to fasten their seatbelts before the plane took off.
  2. She used a strong adhesive to fasten the decorative elements to the frame.
  3. It's important to ensure all connections are tight before starting the machinery.

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