What is ignore? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of ignore

ignoreverb

/ɪɡˈnɔː/
Definition & pronunciation of ignore

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ignore" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few tips:

The Standard Pronunciation:

  • ih-NYOR (This is the most common and widely accepted pronunciation)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • ih - Like the "i" in "bit" or "hit"
  • NYOR - This is the trickier part.
    • NY - This is a diphthong (a single vowel sound that blends into another). Think of it as a short, quick "ny" sound like in "onion" or "lynx." It’s a subtle sound.
    • OR – Like the "or" in "born” or “more.”

Tips for getting it right:

  1. The "NY" sound: Really focus on the "ny" sound. Don't just say "i" and then "or." It's a blended sound. Practice saying "onion" and "lynx" repeatedly.

  2. Emphasis: The stress is on the second syllable: ih-NYOR.

  3. Don't over-emphasize the "r": The "r" at the end isn’t a very strong, rolling "r" in American English. It’s softer and more lightly pronounced.

Here are some resources to hear the pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "ignore"?
  • Practice the pronunciation with you?

Usage and examples with the word ignore in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ignore" in English. It has a range of meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. To Not Pay Attention To (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To deliberately not notice or acknowledge something. It implies you’re choosing not to consider it.
  • Structure: Ignore + noun/pronoun
  • Examples:
    • "Stop ignoring me! I'm trying to talk to you." (You're refusing to listen)
    • "He ignored the warning signs and drove too fast." (He didn't pay attention to the danger)
    • "She ignored the crowd and went straight to the back entrance." (She disregarded the people around her)
    • "Don't ignore your body when it tells you you're tired." (Don't disregard your physical signals)

2. To Pretend Not To See or Hear (Often implying rudeness)

  • Meaning: To deliberately pretend you don't notice something, often with the intention of being impolite or avoiding a situation.
  • Structure: Ignore + noun/pronoun
  • Examples:
    • "He ignored her pleas for help." (He refused to recognize her distress)
    • "The police ignored the vandalism." (They didn’t address the problem)
    • "They ignored the homeless man begging on the street." (They deliberately avoided acknowledging him)

3. To Disregard (Formal – often used in rules/instructions)

  • Meaning: To have no effect on or not be considered. Often used in formal writing or instructions.
  • Structure: Ignore + noun/pronoun
  • Examples:
    • "The software ignores any comments made in the text field." (The comments have no impact)
    • "The new regulations ignore existing agreements." (The regulations don’t take the old agreements into account.)

4. (Less Common - Figurative) To Not Consider a Difficult Issue

  • Meaning: To avoid dealing with a problem or difficult topic.
  • Examples:
    • "The company ignored the growing complaints about poor working conditions." (They didn't address the issue)
    • “Politicians often ignore the needs of ordinary citizens.” (They don’t consider their concerns.)

Key Considerations & Related Words:

  • Intention: "Ignore" often implies a deliberate choice. You choose to not notice or pay attention.
  • Contrast with "notice" or "pay attention": "Ignore" is the opposite of these verbs.
  • Synonyms: Some words that can be used instead of "ignore" include: dismiss, disregard, overlook, snub, ignore, evade, bypass.
  • Negative Connotation: “Ignore” often carries a negative connotation, suggesting rudeness, indifference, or a lack of responsibility. However, it can be used neutrally to describe how a system works.

Let’s test your understanding:

Complete these sentences using "ignore":

  1. I refuse to _________ her insults.
  2. The computer program will _________ any errors you type.
  3. Don't _________ the instructions; they're important.
  4. He chose to _________ the loud music and study.

Answers:

  1. ignore
  2. ignore
  3. ignore
  4. ignore

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain "ignore" in a specific context (e.g., in business, in a conversation)?
  • Help you practice using "ignore" in your own sentences?

Synonyms for the word ignore

Practice with vocabulary ignore

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It is unwise to ________ the feedback from our top-performing employees, as their insights are crucial for improvement.
  2. Despite repeated attempts to get his attention, he continued to ________ her calls.
  3. The auditor found that the company had failed to ________ several key financial regulations.
  4. She decided to ________ the matter until she had gathered more information and consulted with the legal team.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which action best describes deliberately not paying attention to something or someone? a) observe b) acknowledge c) ignore d) consider

  2. When a complex system frequently produces minor alerts, what might a user be tempted to do, potentially leading to critical omissions? a) scrutinize them b) disregard them c) ignore them d) amplify them

  3. If a public figure makes a controversial statement that lacks credible evidence, what is the most professional way for media outlets to react? a) widely promote it b) validate it c) ignore it d) immediately verify it without context

  4. What does it mean to accidentally miss or fail to notice something, often a detail or a potential issue? a) overlook b) scrutinize c) emphasize d) address

  5. What is the most appropriate action when someone offers a highly improbable or unsubstantiated claim during a professional discussion? a) confirm it b) validate it c) dismiss it d) endorse it

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The project manager consciously chose not to respond to the critical email, despite its urgency. Rewrite (using "ignore"):
  2. Original: Many people fail to give attention to the subtle indicators of market shifts, which can lead to significant financial losses. Rewrite (using a related form of "ignore"):
  3. Original: It is important not to forget about the potential risks associated with implementing this new global strategy. Rewrite (using a suitable replacement word, NOT "ignore"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. ignore
  2. ignore
  3. comply with
  4. postpone

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) ignore
  2. b) disregard, c) ignore
  3. c) ignore
  4. a) overlook
  5. c) dismiss

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The project manager decided to ignore the critical email, despite its urgency.
  2. The subtle indicators of market shifts, if ignored, can lead to significant financial losses.
  3. We must not overlook the potential risks associated with implementing this new global strategy.

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