What is household? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of household

householdnoun

/ˈhaʊs(h)əʊld/
Definition & pronunciation of household

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

1. The Sounds:

  • hou - Like the beginning of "house" - /haʊ/ (sounds like "how")
  • -se - Like the "s" in "sea" - /siː/ (a long "ee" sound)
  • -hold - This is the tricky part! It's pronounced as /həʊld/ - It’s not like "hold" as in "holding." It's a schwa (ə) followed by the "oh" sound.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced roughly as: ˈhaʊsɪhəʊld

Let’s break that down further:

  • ˈhaʊs - The first part is emphasized with a strong stress.
  • ɪhəʊld - The "i" in "hold" makes a brief, short "i" sound.

3. Tips & Tricks:

  • Think of "house" + "hold" (but with a different vowel sound). Visualize a house being held.
  • The schwa (ə) is key. It's a very relaxed, unstressed vowel sound. Don't try to force a strong "o" sound here. It's almost like you're dropping your jaw slightly.
  • Listen to examples! The best way to learn is to hear native speakers pronounce it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce household" on Google. You’ll get audio clips.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/household/ - This website lets you hear the word pronounced by people from different countries.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce household" on YouTube.

4. Common Mispronunciations:

  • People often say "household" as if it were two words. Don’t do that!

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

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

Usage and examples with the word household in English

Let's break down how to use the word "household" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. Basic Definition: A Family Unit

At its core, "household" refers to a group of people who live together in a single dwelling. It’s essentially a family, or a group of people who consider themselves a family unit, sharing a home.

  • Example: “The household of four – mom, dad, and two children – are moving to a new state.”
  • Example: “We’re trying to keep the kitchen clean for the household.”

2. Broader Definition: Any Group Sharing a Home

The definition expands beyond just families to include any group of people who share a residence, regardless of their relationship.

  • Example: “The household staff includes a housekeeper, a cook, and a gardener.” (This refers to employees who work in a home.)
  • Example: “They were a diverse household comprising students, retirees, and a young couple.” (Meaning people of different ages and backgrounds living together.)

3. Statistical Usage – Census Data

"Household" is frequently used in statistics, particularly in census data, to refer to a group of people who occupy a housing unit and are considered a single statistical unit. It's often defined as a group of people related by blood, marriage, or adoption who live together.

  • Example: “The census report showed that the average household size in the city is 2.5 people.”

4. Figurative Usage (Less Common)

Sometimes, "household" is used metaphorically to describe a particular environment or set of circumstances.

  • Example: "He came from a chaotic household." (Meaning his upbringing was disorganized and troubled.)

Here's a breakdown of how it’s used in sentences, with some examples:

  • Describes the occupants: "The household consists of a father, mother, and three teenagers."
  • Refers to a living situation: “They are planning renovations for their household.”
  • Talking about resources: “The government provides assistance to low-income households.”
  • Describing a particular situation: "The strained household dynamics led to a lot of conflict."

Key Differences & Similar Words:

  • Family: A “family” is a group of related people (usually by blood or marriage). “Household” is broader and can include unrelated people sharing a home.
  • Home: “Home” is the place where someone lives. “Household” is the people living there.
  • Dwelling: A more formal word for "home" or residence.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more example sentences?
  • Explain how it’s used in a specific context (e.g., writing, academic essays)?
  • Help you understand how it differs from other related words?

Synonyms for the word household

Practice with vocabulary household

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The average American ________ spends a significant portion of its income on housing and utilities.
  2. Managing daily ________ finances requires careful budgeting and tracking of expenses.
  3. Balancing professional responsibilities with one's ________ duties can be a complex task for many working parents.
  4. The city council approved a new initiative to improve waste management services for all ________ properties.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms refers to a group of people, often a family, living together in the same residence? a) Community b) Household c) Population d) Cohort

  2. When discussing shared financial responsibilities within a home, which term is most appropriate? a) Tenant's budget b) Individual expenses c) Household budget d) Dwelling costs

  3. Which options describe the daily management and activities typically performed within a family residence? (Select all that apply) a) Civic duties b) Domestic chores c) Household tasks d) Public services

  4. If a government report analyzes the living conditions and economic status of people residing in a specific area, which term would best describe these individuals as a collective unit within their homes? a) Occupants b) Inhabitants c) Residents d) Citizens

  5. Which word best describes matters relating to the running of a home or to family relations? a) Corporate b) Global c) Domestic d) Institutional

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The people living in one house need to coordinate their schedules for daily chores. Rewrite (must use "household" or related word forms):
  2. Original: Statistics show that the number of single-person dwellings has increased significantly. Rewrite (must use "household" or related word forms):
  3. Original: Many people living in apartments struggle with finding space for their belongings. Rewrite (do NOT use "household", use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. household
  2. household
  3. domestic
  4. residential

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Household
  2. c) Household budget
  3. b) Domestic chores, c) Household tasks
  4. c) Residents
  5. c) Domestic

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The household needs to coordinate its schedule for daily chores.
  2. Statistics show that the number of single-person households has increased significantly.
  3. Many residents in apartments struggle with finding space for their belongings.

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