What is import? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of import

importverb

/ɪmˈpɔːt/
Definition & pronunciation of import

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ɪmˈpɔːrt/ (British English)
  • /ɪmˈɔːrp/ (American English)

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. im: Pronounced like "im" in "him" or "swim". It's a short, quick "uh" sound.

  2. -port: This is where it gets tricky.

    • British English (ɪmˈpɔːrt): The "port" is pronounced like "port" in "import" (the word). The "o" sound is a broad, rounded "ah" sound, almost like the "or" in "for," but a bit more open. Think of it as a deeper, more drawn-out "ah."
    • American English (ɪmˈɔːrp): In American English, the "port" sound is closer to "orp" as in "corp" (corporation). It's a bit shorter and sharper than the British pronunciation.

Key things to remember:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("-port"). This is why the second syllable sounds emphasized.
  • The "or" sound: In both pronunciations, the "or" sound in "-port" is a crucial element.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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

  • Where are you learning English? (e.g., UK, USA, Australia, etc.) Knowing your region will help me pinpoint the more common pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word import in English

Let's break down how to use the word "import" in English. It has several distinct meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As a Verb (Bringing Something In)

  • Primary Meaning: This is the most common usage. “Import” means to bring goods or services into a country from abroad.

    • Example: "The United States imports a lot of electronics from China."
    • Example: "The company is planning to import new machinery from Germany."
    • Structure: Subject + import + object (the goods/services)

  • Related Phrases:

    • Import duties: These are taxes levied on imported goods. "The government increased import duties on textiles."
    • Import regulations: Rules and laws governing the import process. “Businesses need to comply with import regulations.”

2. As a Noun (Something Brought In)

  • Meaning: When used as a noun, "import" refers to the goods/services that are brought into a country.
    • Example: “The country’s biggest imports are oil and agricultural products.”
    • Example: “The value of last year’s imports was $500 billion.”

3. As a Verb (Introducing an Idea or Concept)

  • Meaning: This is a more specialized usage. “Import” can mean to bring an idea, style, or element from one area to another. It’s often used in discussions about culture, design, or fashion.
    • Example: “The minimalist design of the website imports the principles of Scandinavian design.” (It's bringing the qualities of Scandinavian design into the website's look.)
    • Example: "The film imports themes of social injustice and hope from classic literature."
    • Example: “The trend to wear suits in summer imports a more formal vibe.”

4. In Computer Programming (Bringing Data into a Program)

  • Meaning: In programming (especially languages like Python or JavaScript), "import" means to include or access code or functions from another file or module.
    • Example (Python): import math (This brings the math module into your program, allowing you to use its functions like math.sqrt().)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb (Main) Bring goods/services into a country "We import coffee beans from Brazil."
Noun Goods/services brought in "Imports accounted for 60% of the trade deficit."
Verb (Figurative) Introduce an idea/concept "The show imports elements of Japanese folklore."
Verb (Programming) Include code from another file “import pandas” (in Python)

Key Tips for Using "Import" Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of ‘import’ depends entirely on how it’s used in the sentence.
  • Be mindful of the relationship: When using it as a verb (bringing goods), think about what is being brought in and from where.
  • When referring to ideas: Frame it as introducing something from one source into another.

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

  • What is the context in which you want to use the word "import"? (e.g., Are you writing about international trade, design, computer programming, or something else?)

Synonyms for the word import

Practice with vocabulary import

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many countries ________ oil to meet their energy demands.
  2. The government imposed new tariffs on the ________ of luxury cars.
  3. It is ________ that all team members understand the project's timeline thoroughly.
  4. Companies often ________ their products to international markets to expand their reach.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms describe items purchased and brought into a country from overseas? a) exports b) imports c) indigenous products d) foreign-sourced goods

  2. Which action describes a company bringing products from another country into its own market? a) export b) import c) distribute d) manufacture

  3. Which words convey the significance or meaning of an event or message? a) triviality b) insignificance c) importance d) import e) gravity

  4. Which word best describes the strong effect or influence of one thing on another? a) incident b) outcome c) impact d) result

  5. When an individual or organization obtains something, especially by effort or purchase, what action are they performing? a) discard b) acquire c) alienate d) relinquish

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The nation needs to bring in more raw materials from other countries. (Rewrite using a form of "import")

  2. The significance of her research was widely acknowledged by the academic community. (Rewrite using a form of "import")

  3. It is crucial for us to finalize this report before the deadline. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement for "crucial" without using "import")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many countries import oil to meet their energy demands.
  2. The government imposed new tariffs on the import of luxury cars.
  3. It is essential that all team members understand the project's timeline thoroughly.
  4. Companies often export their products to international markets to expand their reach.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) imports, d) foreign-sourced goods
  2. b) import
  3. c) importance, d) import, e) gravity
  4. c) impact
  5. b) acquire

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The nation needs to import more raw materials.
  2. The academic community widely acknowledged the great import of her research.
  3. It is vital for us to finalize this report before the deadline.

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