What is incursion? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of incursion

incursionnoun

/ɪnˈkɜːʃn//ɪnˈkɜːrʒn/

Okay, let's break down the pronunciation of "incursion." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "in-": This is pronounced like "in" as in "in the box."
  • "cur-": This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "cur" as in "curious." It's a short, quick "cur" sound.
  • "-sion": This is pronounced like "shun" as in "sun."

2. Combined Pronunciation:

Putting it all together, it’s roughly:

in-CUR-shun

Here's a more detailed breakdown using phonetic symbols (for those who like that level of detail):

/ˈɪnkərʃən/

  • /ˈɪn/: Stress on the first syllable – “in”
  • /kər/: Quick "cur" sound – like “curious” but shorter.
  • /ʃən/: “shun” as in “sun”

Resources to Hear it:

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don’t over-emphasize the "cur" sound. It needs to be quick, almost a little clipped.
  • Focus on the “shun” sound at the end.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "incursion"?

Usage and examples with the word incursion in English

Let's break down how to use the word "incursion" effectively in English. It's a more formal and specific word than simply "intrusion" or "invasion."

1. Core Meaning:

  • Definition: An incursion is a sudden, brief, and often hostile entry into a territory or place. It implies a short-lived, forceful arrival, often with the intent to take something or cause disruption.

2. Key Characteristics:

  • Suddenness: It happens quickly and unexpectedly.
  • Briefness: It’s not a prolonged occupation. It’s a raid, a foray, a quick visit.
  • Forceful/Hostile (often): While not always hostile, it frequently involves some level of force or disruption. It can be a natural event (like a flood) or deliberate.
  • Targeted: It's focused on a specific area, not a general assault.

3. How to Use It – Examples:

Let's look at different contexts:

  • Military/Political:

    • “The enemy launched an incursion into our territory, damaging several buildings.” (A military raid)
    • “The government condemned the incursion as a violation of international law.” (An unwelcome entry into a sovereign nation)
    • "The incursion allowed them to establish a foothold." (Referring to a successful initial raid)

  • Natural Events:

    • “A flash flood caused an incursion into the farmland, destroying crops.” (A sudden, forceful influx of water)
    • “An incursion of sand from the desert buried parts of the city.” (An unexpected movement of sand)

  • Figurative/Abstract: (This is where it gets a little more nuanced)

    • “The incursion of modern technology into traditional crafts threatens the livelihood of artisans.” (A gradual penetration and changing of something) – Here, it's less about physical force and more about influence or disruption.
    • “The incursion of doubt into his mind made him question his decision.” (An intrusion of negative thoughts, but used poetically)

  • Animal/Insect:

    • "An incursion of locusts devastated the fields." (A sudden swarm)

4. Words to Compare & Contrast:

  • Intrusion: A general term for anything that breaks into a space or is unwelcome. ("There was an intrusion of noise from the street.")
  • Invasion: A more serious and prolonged occupation of a territory. ("The Roman invasion of Britain.")
  • Raiding: Similar to incursion, emphasizing a quick attack for plunder.
  • Foray: A brief excursion or raid. ("The pirates made a foray into the town.")

5. Important Notes:

  • Formal Tone: "Incursion" is a more formal word. It's generally better suited for writing (news reports, academic papers, etc.) than casual conversation.
  • Specificity: It’s better to use “incursion” when you want to convey the specific characteristics of a sudden, brief, and often forceful entry.

Resources for Further Understanding:

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

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., a news article, a creative story, an academic essay?)
  • What is the context in which you want to use the word "incursion"? (e.g., describing a military action, a natural event, a social change?)

Synonyms for the word incursion

Practice with vocabulary incursion

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The intelligence agency reported a brief, unauthorized ___________ into the sovereign airspace, raising immediate diplomatic concerns.
  2. Businesses must implement robust cybersecurity measures to prevent any malicious ___________ into their critical data infrastructure.
  3. The research team achieved a significant ___________ in their understanding of the complex biological process after years of dedicated study.
  4. Employees are expected to adhere strictly to the company's privacy policy, ensuring no unauthorized ___________ into client data.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes a sudden, brief entry into a territory, often for hostile purposes? a) retreat b) invasion c) incursion d) withdrawal

  2. The cybersecurity team detected an unauthorized access attempt, classifying it as a severe _________. (Choose all that apply) a) breach b) incursion c) withdrawal d) intrusion

  3. After numerous small-scale military _________ across the disputed border, tensions escalated significantly between the two nations. (Choose all that apply) a) incursions b) skirmishes c) advancements d) withdrawals

  4. Which of the following describes an unwelcome or unlawful entry into another's land or property? a) concession b) trespass c) compliance d) endorsement

  5. The company issued a strict warning against any unauthorized __________ of confidential information. (Choose all that apply) a) dissemination b) disclosure c) suppression d) acquisition

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The unexpected entry of a rival company's representatives into our private meeting room caused immediate alarm. (Rewrite using "incursion")

  2. The small military raid across the border was a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement. (Rewrite using a form of "incursion")

  3. The gradual spread of the invasive plant species began to seriously impact the native ecosystem. (Rewrite without using "incursion" or its forms)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. incursion
  2. incursion
  3. breakthrough
  4. access

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) incursion
  2. a) breach, b) incursion, d) intrusion
  3. a) incursions, b) skirmishes
  4. b) trespass
  5. a) dissemination, b) disclosure, d) acquisition

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The unexpected incursion of a rival company's representatives into our private meeting room caused immediate alarm.
  2. The military incursion across the border was a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement.
  3. The gradual encroachment of the invasive plant species began to seriously impact the native ecosystem.

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