What is gain? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of gain

gainverb

/ɡeɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of gain

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "gain" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced!

Here's the breakdown:

  • Most Common Pronunciation (American English): /ɡeɪn/ (rhymes with "pain" or "rain")

    • "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" like in "go."
    • "ai" is pronounced like the "i" in "aisle" or "eye." It’s a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds.

  • British English Pronunciation: /ɡeɪn/ (same as American pronunciation) – It's generally treated the same.

Tips to help you:

  • Focus on the "ai" sound: This is the key to getting it right. Practice saying "eye" and "aisle" repeatedly.
  • Think "pain" or "rain": Using those words as a reference can help you get the rhythm and vowel sound.

Resources for hearing the pronunciation:

To help me tailor the explanation even better, could you tell me:

  • Which accent are you interested in (American, British, or another)?

Usage and examples with the word gain in English

Let's break down how to use the word "gain" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so understanding the context is key! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Acquire or Obtain Something:

  • Most Common Usage: This is the most frequent way "gain" is used. It means to come to have or possess something.
    • Example: "I gained a lot of weight over the summer." (You acquired weight)
    • Example: "She gained valuable experience during her internship." (She acquired experience)
    • Example: "He gained confidence after giving his presentation." (He acquired confidence)
    • Example: "The company gained market share last quarter." (The company acquired more market share)

2. To Achieve or Win (Something – often through effort):

  • This usage emphasizes the struggle and accomplishment involved.
    • Example: "The team gained a crucial victory in the final minutes." (They won the victory)
    • Example: "She gained a scholarship to a prestigious university." (She earned the scholarship through merit)
    • Example: "He gained a significant advantage by practicing regularly." (He won an advantage through practice)

3. To Increase or Grow (Quantity, Level, etc.):

  • "Gain" can describe a measurable increase.
    • Example: "The company gained 10% in profits this year." (Profits increased)
    • Example: "The patient gained a few pounds after the treatment." (Weight increased)
    • Example: "The project gained momentum as more people got involved." (Progress increased)
    • Example: "The plant gained height quickly." (Height increased)

4. (Verb – also used as a noun) - A Measure of Increase:

  • Sometimes “gain” is used as the noun to describe the amount of something that has increased. This is less common but important to recognize.
    • Example: "The company reported a significant gain in revenue." (Revenue – the gain – increased). Think of it as the 'amount' of the increase.

5. (Informal) - To Get or Obtain (Often quickly):

  • This is a more casual usage.
    • Example: “I gained access to the restricted area.” (I obtained access)
    • Example: “He gained a few minutes by waiting.” (He obtained a few minutes)

Key Phrases and Constructions:

  • Gain ground: To make progress, especially against a difficulty or opponent. “The challenger is gaining ground in the race.”
  • Gain popularity: To become more well-liked. “The band is gaining popularity quickly.”
  • Gain control: To take charge or dominate. “The company is attempting to gain control of the subsidiary.”
  • Gain insight: To understand something better. “Reading the book helped me gain insight into human behavior.”

Tips for Using "Gain" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Is it about acquiring something, achieving something, or an increase in quantity?
  • Use verbs that match the action: While "gain" can be a verb, you might also consider verbs that emphasize the specific action, such as acquire, win, increase, earn, obtain.

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "gain"? (e.g., business, personal growth, sports, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're trying to write that uses "gain," and I can help you refine it?

Synonyms for the word gain

Idioms of the word gain

gain ground
to become more powerful or successful
  • Sterling continues to gain ground against the dollar.
gain time
to delay something so that you can have more time to make a decision, deal with a problem, etc.
    nothing ventured, nothing gained
    (saying)used to say that you have to take risks if you want to achieve things and be successful

      Practice with vocabulary gain

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      Complete the sentences with the most appropriate word.

      1. The research team hopes to ______ a breakthrough in vaccine development within the next year.
      2. Through diligent networking, she was able to ______ valuable contacts in her industry.
      3. Before the experiment, scientists had to ______ precise measurements of all chemical compounds.
      4. The company aims to ______ a significant market share by introducing innovative products.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      Choose all correct answers for each question. There may be more than one correct option.

      1. After extensive training, the athlete managed to ______ a noticeable improvement in her performance. a) obtain b) acquire c) gain d) make e) achieve

      2. It is essential for leaders to ______ the trust and respect of their team members. a) win b) earn c) gain d) secure e) collect

      3. Applicants must ______ a minimum score of 7.0 on the IELTS exam to be considered for the scholarship. a) reach b) achieve c) earn d) attain e) acquire

      4. The vehicle began to ______ speed as it approached the highway on-ramp. a) pick up b) collect c) gain d) gather e) increase

      5. The organization is working to ______ access to clean water for communities in remote areas. a) provide b) furnish c) ensure d) secure e) supply

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions, maintaining the original meaning.

      1. The company hopes to acquire a larger share of the global market by expanding its operations. (Rewrite using "gain")
      2. Despite initial setbacks, the project team managed to make significant progress. (Rewrite using "gain")
      3. The researchers successfully finished their extensive study on climate change. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, NOT "gain")

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. gain
      2. gain
      3. secure (or obtain, acquire)
      4. gain

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. a) obtain, b) acquire, c) gain, e) achieve
      2. a) win, b) earn, c) gain, d) secure
      3. a) reach, b) achieve, d) attain
      4. a) pick up, c) gain, e) increase
      5. a) provide, d) secure, e) supply

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The company hopes to gain a larger share of the global market by expanding its operations.
      2. Despite initial setbacks, the project team managed to gain significant ground (or gain momentum) in the project.
      3. The researchers successfully completed (or finished / concluded) their extensive study on climate change.

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