What is international? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of international

internationaladjective

/ˌɪntəˈnaʃən(ə)l/
Definition & pronunciation of international

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˌɪntərˈnāʃənəl/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. in-ter-: This part sounds like "in-ter" – like in the word "interest." The "t" is a bit light, almost silent.
  2. -na-: This is pronounced just like the name "Na."
  3. -shun-: This is the key part. It sounds like "shun" (as in "sun").
  4. -al: This is a very brief "al" sound – almost like a quick "uh."

Putting it together: It sounds something like: "In-ter-shun-al" (with a very quick "uh" at the end of "shun").

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • /ɪ/ (in "in"): A short, quick “i” sound – like in “bit”.
  • /t/ (in "ter"): A very light "t" sound, almost silent.
  • /n/ (in "na"): A clear "n" sound.
  • /ʃ/ (in "shun"): This is the “sh” sound – like in "ship".
  • /l/ (in “al”): A light “l” sound.

Resources to Hear It:

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "t": The "t" is subtle.
  • Focus on the “shun” sound: This is the most common point of difficulty. Practice saying "shun" repeatedly.
  • Listen and repeat: The best way to learn is to hear native speakers saying it and then mimic them.

Do you want me to:

  • Record myself saying it?
  • Give you some common mistakes to avoid?

Usage and examples with the word international in English

Let's break down how to use the word "international" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. As an Adjective (Most Common Use):

  • Meaning: Relating to or involving many different countries; worldwide.
  • Examples:
    • “The international conference was held in Geneva.” (Referring to a conference involving countries around the world.)
    • “She works for an international organization.” (Meaning an organization with a presence in multiple countries.)
    • “They sell their products internationally.” (Meaning they export/sell their goods to countries outside their own.)
    • "The international airport is very busy." (Referring to an airport that handles flights from many different nations.)
    • "He has international experience." (Meaning he's worked abroad or with people from different cultures.)

2. As a Noun (Less Common):

  • Meaning: The state or condition of being international; the relations between countries.
  • Examples:
    • “The international community is concerned about the conflict.” (Refers to the combined response or view of multiple countries.)
    • "The international trade agreement was signed." (Referring to the agreement itself – the treaty between nations.)
    • “She studied international relations at university." (She studied the interactions between countries.)

3. Phrases and Idioms with "International":

  • International Business: Refers to conducting business across national borders.
  • International Law: Law that governs relations between countries.
  • International Relations: The study or practice of how countries interact with each other.
  • International Standard: A standard agreed upon by many countries (e.g., an international safety standard).
  • International Incident: A diplomatic event that causes tension between countries.

Tips for Using "International" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The specific meaning of "international" will depend on the surrounding words.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms to vary your language, such as:
    • Worldwide
    • Global
    • Multinational
    • Transnational
  • Don't Overuse: While it's a useful word, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. If possible, use more specific terms when describing the nature of the international connection.

Let’s illustrate with examples and how to improve them:

Weak: “The company had an international sale.” (Vague) Better: “The company increased its sales by 20% through an international marketing campaign targeting customers in Europe and Asia.” (More specific and descriptive.)

Weak: “He’s an international man of business.” (A bit cliché) Better: “He’s a successful businessman who has worked in several countries and built relationships with clients around the world.” (More contemporary and clearer)

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

  • What are you writing about? (e.g., a business report, a travel essay, a news article, a personal statement?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you'd like me to help you improve?

Synonyms for the word international

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