What is field? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of field

fieldnoun

/fiːld/
Definition & pronunciation of field

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "field" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it depends slightly on where you are (US vs. UK).

1. American English (Most Common):

  • Pronunciation: ˈfiːld (fee-ld)
  • Breakdown:
    • "fi": Sounds like the "fee" in "feeble" – a clear, short "ee" sound.
    • "eld": This part is a bit trickier. It's a diphthong – meaning it's a gliding sound between two vowels. It sounds like the "ild" in "mild." It's essentially a very short, quick "ee" sound followed by a very short "d" sound.

2. British English:

  • Pronunciation: fɪld (fil-d)
  • Breakdown:
    • "fi": Similar to American English - the "fee" sound.
    • "ld": This is a much simpler sound – a clear, short "l" sound.

Tips for both pronunciations:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("fee").
  • Don't overemphasize the "d": The "d" sound at the end is quick and not prolonged.

Resources to help you hear the pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "field" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/field/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce field" on YouTube – you’ll find many videos demonstrating the different pronunciations.

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from (generally, like US, UK, Australia, etc.)?

Usage and examples with the word field in English

The word "field" is incredibly versatile in English! It can refer to many different things. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Fields (Land & Nature):

  • Agricultural Field: This is the most common meaning – a piece of land used for farming. "The farmer worked in his corn field all day."
  • Football/Soccer Field: A designated area for playing these sports. "The team practiced on the field before the game."
  • Sports Field (general): Any area used for playing sports – baseball field, tennis court (often considered a "court" but can also be called a field). "Let's play frisbee in the park field."
  • Wilderness Field: A large, open area of wilderness. "They camped in a remote field surrounded by mountains."
  • Field of Flowers/Grass: A large area covered with flowers or grass. "The meadow was a beautiful field of wildflowers."

2. Abstract Fields (Areas of Study/Activity):

  • Field of Study: A subject area of study. "She’s studying in the field of psychology." "He works in the field of engineering."
  • Medical Field: The profession of doctors and healthcare workers. "He’s dedicated his life to the field of medicine."
  • Business Field: The world of commerce and entrepreneurship. "She’s starting a new venture in the tech field."
  • Research Field: An area of scientific investigation. "His research focused on the field of astrophysics."

3. As a Verb (To Enter or Work in a Field):

  • To field (questions/requests): To answer or respond to something, often a lot of them. “The customer service department is prepared to field a large number of inquiries.”
  • To field a team: To select a team (typically for sports). “The coach fielded a strong starting lineup.”

4. As a Noun (Related to a Specific Area):

  • Field Force: The employees of a company who work directly with customers or in the field. "The sales team is the field force."
  • Field Day: An outdoor event, typically for children, featuring games and activities.
  • Field Trip: A learning excursion outside the classroom. “We took a field trip to the museum."
  • Field Notes: Written observations taken in the field (e.g., during a research project).
  • Standing crop: (Agricultural) Crop that has been harvested but left in the field to dry.

5. Other Uses:

  • Time Field: (Rare, mainly in theoretical physics) A concept related to the flow of time.
  • A field of view: The extent of something that can be seen (e.g., "a wide field of view from the window").

Tips for Using "Field" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "field" depends heavily on the context.
  • Consider the surrounding words: Pay attention to the words used around "field" to understand its specific meaning.
  • Don’t overthink it: It’s a common word, and most people will understand you even if you don’t use it perfectly every time.

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "field" in? (e.g., a school report, a conversation with friends, writing a story?)

Synonyms for the word field

Idioms of the word field

leave the field clear for somebody
to enable somebody to be successful in a particular area of activity because other people or groups have given up competing with them
  • The complete disarray of the opposition parties leaves the field clear for the government to implement urgent reforms.
level the playing field
to create a situation where everyone has the same opportunities
    play the field
    (informal)to have sexual relationships with a lot of different people

      Practice with vocabulary field

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. Her groundbreaking research significantly advanced the ______________ of quantum physics.
      2. In database design, properly defining each data ______________ is crucial for ensuring accurate information retrieval.
      3. The company plans to diversify its investments across various economic ______________ to mitigate risk.
      4. Effective communication is a critical ______________ in every professional environment, regardless of one's specialization.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. Which of the following terms can refer to a specific area of academic study or professional activity? a) discipline b) field c) subject d) domain

      2. When researchers conduct experiments or gather data outside the laboratory, they are often said to be working in the: a) laboratory b) field c) office d) studio

      3. An individual highly specialized in a particular professional area is often referred to as an expert in their: a) field b) sector c) niche d) specialty

      4. The CEO outlined the company's strategic vision for expanding into new ______________, aiming to capture emerging market opportunities. a) ventures b) sectors c) domains d) zones

      5. The scope of the investigation covers several key ______________ of interest, including financial irregularities and legal compliance. a) aspects b) areas c) segments d) divisions

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. She is recognized globally for her significant contributions to the development of new materials. (Rewrite using "field" or a related word form)

      2. The company decided to enter the market for sustainable energy solutions. (Rewrite using "field" or a related word form)

      3. His expertise lies in the area of international law and human rights. (Rewrite, but do not use "field" or "area")

      Answer:

      Exercise 1:

      1. field
      2. field
      3. sectors
      4. skill

      Exercise 2:

      1. a) discipline, b) field, c) subject, d) domain
      2. b) field
      3. a) field, d) specialty
      4. b) sectors, c) domains
      5. a) aspects, b) areas

      Exercise 3:

      1. She is recognized globally for her significant contributions to the field of materials science.
      2. The company decided to enter the field of sustainable energy solutions.
      3. His expertise lies in the domain of international law and human rights.

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