What is industry? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of industry

industrynoun

/ˈɪndəstri/
Definition & pronunciation of industry

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈɪndəsˌt్రీ/ (Ind-us-tree)

Let's break that down further:

  1. "Ind": Pronounced like the word "in" (as in "inside") - short and crisp.
  2. "Us": Pronounced like the letter "u" - a quick "uh" sound.
  3. "Tree": This is the tricky part! It rhymes with "see." The "i" sound is short and doesn't have the long "i" sound like "idea." It's more like the "i" in "bit."

Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "i": Many people pronounce it with a long "i" sound (like "idea"). The key is to keep it short and quick.
  • Avoid adding an extra syllable: Don’t say “in-dus-tree-ee.” It’s just “us” between “ind” and “tree.”

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Search: Just type "how to pronounce industry" into Google and you’ll get audio clips.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/industry/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers from various regions.

To help me tailor my explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • Are you learning British or American English? (Pronunciation can differ slightly to a lesser extent).

Usage and examples with the word industry in English

Let's break down how to use the word "industry" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so it's important to understand the context.

1. As a Group of Businesses (Most Common Usage)

  • Definition: This is the most frequent way "industry" is used. It refers to a group of businesses that produce or provide similar goods or services.
  • Examples:
    • “The automotive industry is facing challenges due to rising material costs.” (Refers to all car manufacturers and related businesses)
    • “The fashion industry is incredibly fast-paced and trends change quickly.” (All designers, manufacturers, retailers, etc.)
    • “The film industry employs a huge number of people.” (Actors, directors, cinematographers, editors, etc.)
    • "The tech industry is constantly evolving." (Software companies, hardware manufacturers, internet service providers, etc.)

2. As a Specific Field of Work/Activity

  • Definition: This refers to a particular area of work or study. It's like a specialized profession or discipline.
  • Examples:
    • “She works in the medical industry as a research scientist.” (She works in the broader field that encompasses hospitals, pharmaceuticals, etc.)
    • “He's studying the industry of renewable energy.” (Focusing on solar, wind, etc.)
    • “The legal industry is complicated and often expensive.” (Refers to lawyers, paralegals, legal services)

3. More General/Abstractly – An Area of Activity

  • Definition: Sometimes, "industry" is used to describe a general area of activity or endeavor, not just businesses. It implies dedication, zeal, and hard work.
  • Examples:
    • “He showed a great deal of industry in completing the project.” (He worked diligently and persistently)
    • “She approached the task with industry and determination.” (Similar to the above – focused effort)

4. As a Noun Phrase (shortening)

  • You’ll often hear phrases like “the X industry” - this is a common short form. For example: "the tech industry," "the entertainment industry," "the food industry."

Key Things to Consider:

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "industry" is almost entirely determined by the context in which it’s used.
  • Plural Form: The plural of "industry" is "industries." "There are many industries in this region.”

Here’s a table summarizing the uses:

Usage Definition Example
Group of Businesses Companies producing similar goods/services The pharmaceutical industry is booming.
Field of Work A specific area of profession or study She's in the agriculture industry.
General/Abstract Dedicated effort, zealous activity He showed industry in his work.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you trying to write or say that you want to use the word “industry” in?

Synonyms for the word industry

Practice with vocabulary industry

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence have significantly transformed the entire tech _________________.
  2. Despite economic downturns, the pharmaceutical _________________ has consistently shown resilience and growth.
  3. Her remarkable _________________ in learning new languages allowed her to become a skilled translator in a short period.
  4. Many graduates are finding it challenging to enter a highly competitive job _________________ without prior experience.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms best describes a group of companies that are related based on their primary business activities, often categorized by the goods or services they produce? a) economy b) commerce c) industry d) enterprise e) marketplace

  2. To describe a country's economic focus on manufacturing and production rather than agriculture, which word would be most appropriate? a) agrarian b) industrial c) commercial d) artisanal

  3. Select the best word(s) to complete the sentence: "The automotive _________________ is currently investing heavily in electric vehicle technology to meet consumer demand and environmental regulations." a) segment b) sector c) profession d) industry e) field

  4. Which word best describes the quality of working hard and with continuous effort? a) enterprise b) diligence c) productivity d) manufacturing

  5. Which of the following describes a specific area of work or study, often requiring specialized knowledge or skills? a) industry b) profession c) trade d) sector e) field

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: Companies involved in making cars and other vehicles are facing significant challenges due to global supply chain disruptions. Rewrite using "industry" or a related word form:
  2. Original: The government introduced new policies to stimulate economic growth and create more jobs, especially in manufacturing. Rewrite using "industry" or a related word form:
  3. Original: Her consistent effort and hard work were instrumental in the project's success. Rewrite without using "industry" or a related word form:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. industry
  2. industry
  3. diligence
  4. market

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) industry
  2. b) industrial
  3. b) sector, d) industry
  4. b) diligence
  5. b) profession, e) field

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The automotive industry is facing significant challenges due to global supply chain disruptions.
  2. The government introduced new policies to stimulate economic growth and create more jobs, especially in the manufacturing industry.
  3. Her unwavering diligence and dedication were instrumental in the project's success.

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