What is hold? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of hold

holdverb

/həʊld/
Definition & pronunciation of hold

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

The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • Sounds: /həʊld/ (This is the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA. It's a system for representing sounds.)
  • Breakdown:
    • "h": Pronounced as a simple "h" sound – like in "hat."
    • "ə": This is a schwa sound – a very short, relaxed vowel sound. It's almost like you're barely saying the vowel. Think of how you say "about" or "sofa." It’s like a very short, unstressed "uh" sound. It's the most important part of the pronunciation.
    • "oʊ": This is a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds. It starts like the "o" in "hot" and smoothly transitions to the “oh” sound in "go." It's a distinct, slightly rounded sound.
    • "ld": Pronounced just like "l-d" – the familiar "l" and "d" sounds.

Putting it together: It's like saying "huh-old" but very quickly and with the "uh" sound in the middle, and then smoothly transitioning to the "oʊ" sound.

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t overemphasize the “o”: Many people pronounce it more like “hold-uh.” The key is to soften the “o.”
  • The schwa sound is crucial: Really focus on getting that relaxed, short "uh" sound in the middle.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for “how to pronounce hold” on YouTube. You'll find many examples. Here are a few good ones:

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

  • Where are you from? (Different accents can affect pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word hold in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hold" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings and ways to use it! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Verb - Holding Something Physically

  • To grasp or keep something in your hands: This is the most common meaning.
    • "Hold the door for me."
    • "Please hold this package for a moment."
    • "She held her baby tightly."
  • To carry or support:
    • “Hold the ladder while I climb.”
    • “He held the injured bird.”

2. As a Verb - Maintaining Control or a Position

  • To maintain a particular state or condition:
    • "Hold your breath." (To control your breathing)
    • "Hold your horses!" (To wait a moment – an idiom)
    • "Hold onto your hat!" (To prevent something from falling)
  • To keep a meeting or event:
    • “The meeting is being held next week.”
    • “We’re holding a charity gala.”
  • To retain something: “Hold a position” – meaning to keep a job or role.

3. As a Verb - Keeping Something in Place or Waiting

  • To keep something from falling or moving:
    • "Hold the balloon steady."
    • “Hold it in place until the glue dries.”
  • To wait for something or someone: (Often used with "on")
    • “Hold on!” (meaning “wait a moment”)
    • "Hold on the line, please." (In a phone conversation)
  • To keep someone from leaving: "Hold someone back" – meaning to prevent them from going.

4. As an Adjective - Relating to Holding or Stability

  • Stable or secure:
    • "Hold a steady job."
    • "A hold on the market." (Meaning a stable position in the stock market)
  • Capable of holding:
    • "A hold container" (a container designed to hold something)

5. As a Noun - A Place or Position

  • A place where people wait: (like a bus stop or holding area)
    • "We waited at the holding area before boarding the plane."
  • A position of power or influence: (often informal)
    • “He’s in a holding position until the new manager arrives.”
  • To hold someone accountable: "Hold someone responsible" - meaning to make them answer for their actions.

Phrases & Idioms Using "Hold"

  • Hold up: To delay or obstruct. "The traffic held us up."
  • Hold back: To restrain or conceal. “She held back her tears.”
  • Hold out: To last for a long time; to resist. “The medicine held out for only a few days.”
  • Hold dear: To value highly. "I hold my family dear."
  • Hold fast: To remain firm; to persevere.

Tips for Using "Hold" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "hold" changes dramatically depending on the situation. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Combine with other words: Phrases like "hold on," "hold up," and "hold back" are very common.
  • Think about the action: What is being held? Who is holding it? What is being kept?

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What is the specific context you want to use "hold" in? (e.g., "I'm writing a story," "I want to use it in a conversation," "I'm learning about idioms")

Synonyms for the word hold

Idioms of the word hold

hold good
to be true
  • The same argument does not hold good in every case.
hold it
(informal)used to ask somebody to wait, or not to move
  • Hold it a second—I don't think everyone's arrived yet.
hold/hang on for/like grim death
(informal)to hold somebody/something very tightly because you are afraid
    there is no holding somebody
    a person cannot be prevented from doing something
    • Once she gets on to the subject of politics there's no holding her.

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