Example sentence with word germ?

Example: The doctor warned against touching raw meat to avoid picking up harmful germs

What is germ? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

germnoun

/dʒɜːm/

/dʒɜːrm/

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

Let's break that down further:

“g”: Pronounced like the “g” in “goat” – a hard “g” sound.
“er”: This is the tricky part! It's a short, almost schwa (a very relaxed, unstressed vowel) sound. Think of it like the “a” in “about” or “water.” It’s a very quick, unstressed sound. Don’t try to say “err.”
“m”: Pronounced as you'd expect, like the “m” in “mom.”

Here’s how it sounds (I'll try to describe it as best as possible):

Imagine a quick, clipped "guh-erm." It’s not a drawn-out “erm” sound.

Tips for getting it right:

Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search for “how to pronounce germ” on YouTube. You’ll find many videos with native speakers pronouncing the word.
Focus on the “er” sound: This is the most common mistake. Practice separating that “er” sound from the rest of the word. Say “guh” and then “erm” separately, then try to blend them together quickly.
Don't overemphasize the “r”: It’s not a rolled “r” like in Spanish. It’s a very subtle, quick sound.

Resources for Hearing Pronunciation:

Google Translate: Type "germ" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/germ/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.

Would you like me to:

Let's break down how to use the word "germ" in English. It has a few different meanings, and understanding those nuances is key.

Definition: This is the most common meaning. A "germ" refers to a tiny living organism – like bacteria, viruses, or fungi – that can cause illness.
Examples:
- "Wash your hands frequently to kill the germs."
- “The doctor said I have a germ infection.”
- “Proper hygiene is important to prevent the spread of germs.”
- “Eating raw chicken can contain harmful germs.”
- "The germs on the doorknob made me sick."

Definition: "To germ" can mean to begin to grow, sprout, or develop. It’s slightly more formal and often used in technical contexts.
Examples:
- "The seeds began to germ after being soaked overnight." (Meaning: the seeds started to sprout)
- "The mold began to germ on the old bread." (Meaning: the mold started to grow)
- "The ideas began to germ in his mind." (Meaning: the ideas started to develop)

Definition: Informally, "germ" can be used to describe a person who is annoying, irritating, or bothersome. It's often playful, but can be considered mildly rude.
Examples:
- "Don't be such a germ! Just let me try the cake." (Meaning: Don't be so picky/overly cautious.)
- “He’s a real germ – always complaining about everything.” (Meaning: He's a fussy and annoying person.)
Important Note: Be aware that using "germ" this way can be seen as dismissive or insensitive, especially if someone has genuine concerns about hygiene.

"Germ of an idea": The beginnings of an idea; a nascent suggestion. Example: "I had a germ of an idea for a new business."
"Germinate": (Related) To sprout or begin to grow, especially seeds. Example: "The seeds need to germinate in warm, moist soil."

Here’s a quick table to help you remember:

Meaning	Definition	Example
Biological Germs	Tiny microorganisms causing illness	“Wash your hands to kill the germs.”
Verb (to germ)	To begin to grow, sprout, or develop	“The seeds began to germ.”
Slang (person)	Annoying or bothersome person	“Don’t be such a germ!”
Phrase	"Germ of an idea" (beginning of an idea)	"I had a germ of an idea..."

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

What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., science, everyday conversation, writing a story?)