What is infant? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of infant

infantnoun

/ˈɪnfənt//ˈɪnfənt/
Definition & pronunciation of infant

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "infant" in English. Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few variations:

Most Common Pronunciation (General American English):

  • in - pronounced like "in" as in "in a box" (short 'i' sound)
  • fant - pronounced like "funt" (rhymes with "hunt")

Putting it together: /ɪnˈfænt/ (Listen to an audio example here: https://www.merriam-webster.com/audio/pronunciation/infant)

Here's a more detailed look at each syllable:

  • "in": The "i" sound is a short, open "i" (like in "bit").
  • "fant":
    • "f": A standard "f" sound.
    • "ant": This is where some people stumble. The "a" is a short "a" as in "cat." The "nt" makes a simple "nt" sound, like in "went."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The stress is on the second syllable ("fant"). That's why it sounds like "in-FANT."
  • Don't over-emphasize the "a." It's a very short sound.

Regional Variations:

  • British English: In British English, the "ant" portion is often subtly different. It might sound closer to "fan-t" with a very brief "a" sound. It's a bit less emphasized than in American English.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Provide a phonetic transcription (a more technical way to represent the sounds)?

Usage and examples with the word infant in English

Let's break down how to use the word "infant" in English. It's a word with a specific meaning and usage, so understanding it properly is key.

1. Core Meaning: A Very Young Child

At its most basic, "infant" refers to a baby, specifically a child under one year old. It’s a more formal and clinical term than "baby" or "newborn."

2. Different Contexts & How to Use It

Here's how you'll encounter "infant" and how to use it correctly:

  • Medical/Pediatric: This is the most common context.

    • Example: "The pediatrician examined the infant for signs of illness."
    • Example: "Neonatal care focuses on the health of the infant in the first few weeks of life."
    • Example: "The infant’s feeding schedule is carefully monitored."

  • Developmental Psychology: Used when discussing a baby’s cognitive and emotional development.

    • Example: “Researchers are studying infant attachment patterns.”
    • Example: “The infant’s ability to babble indicates early language development.”

  • Figurative/Symbolic (Less Common): Sometimes, "infant" can be used metaphorically to describe something new, fragile, or in its early stages of development. This usage is less frequent and can sound a bit formal.

    • Example: "The company is an infant in the market, but they have great potential." (Here, it means 'new' and 'unproven'.)
    • Example: “The political movement is an infant, needing time to grow and gain support.”

3. Important Nuances & Considerations:

  • Formal Tone: “Infant” has a more formal and somewhat clinical sound than "baby." It’s not something you’d typically use in casual conversation.

  • Avoid Overuse: Because of its formality, using "infant" repeatedly can feel stiff or unnatural. "Baby" or "newborn" are usually better choices for everyday situations.

  • Distinction from "Child": “Infant” is specifically a young child – under one year. “Child” is a broader term. You wouldn’t say “the child was sick,” you’d usually say “the baby was sick” (unless the baby is clearly older).

4. Synonyms (When "Infant" Feels Too Formal):

  • Baby
  • Newborn
  • Young child
  • Little one

Here’s a quick table summarizing the use:

Context Word to Use Example
Medical/Pediatric Infant "The infant requires a feeding."
General Description Baby “The baby smiled at me.”
Development Infant “The infant’s motor skills are developing.”
(Figurative) Infant “The company is an infant in the market.”

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

  • What are you hoping to use the word “infant” in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word infant

Practice with vocabulary infant

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. A healthy human ______ typically weighs between 2.5 and 4.5 kilograms at birth.
  2. The child, now a confident ______, was learning to speak in full sentences and ride a tricycle.
  3. New research suggests that exposing an ______ to diverse sounds can aid in language development.
  4. The local community center offers various after-school programs for school-aged ______ and teenagers.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which term most accurately describes a human from birth to one year of age? a) Child b) Toddler c) Infant d) Juvenile

  2. If a person is described as being in their "formative years," which age group does this typically refer to? a) Senior b) Adolescent c) Adult d) Middle-aged

  3. Select all terms that could refer to a very young human, generally under the age of one year. a) Baby b) Newborn c) Infant d) Toddler e) Minor

  4. In the phrase "the project is still in its ______ stage," which words could appropriately fill the blank, indicating an early development phase? a) mature b) infancy c) nascent d) advanced e) fledgling

  5. Which word is a broad term for the offspring of humans or animals? a) Fetus b) Offspring c) Adult d) Progeny

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The very young child needed constant supervision and feeding every few hours. Rewrite using "infant":

  2. Original: When the company was just starting out, it faced numerous financial challenges. Rewrite using "infant" or related word forms:

  3. Original: The young person, aged 15, was eligible to volunteer at the local library. Rewrite without using "infant" or related forms, using a suitable replacement:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. infant
  2. toddler
  3. infant
  4. children

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Infant
  2. b) Adolescent
  3. a) Baby, b) Newborn, c) Infant
  4. b) infancy, c) nascent, e) fledgling
  5. b) Offspring, d) Progeny

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The infant required constant supervision and feeding every few hours.
  2. The company faced numerous financial challenges during its infancy.
  3. The teenager, aged 15, was eligible to volunteer at the local library.

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