What is intimidated? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of intimidated

intimidatedadjective

/ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪd//ɪnˈtɪmɪdeɪtɪd/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "intimidated." It's a tricky word! Here's a breakdown with phonetic sounds and tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˌɪn.t̬ɪˈmɪd.eɪ.t̬ed/

Let’s break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. in- (ɪn): Sounds like "in" as in "in a box." Short "i" sound.

  2. ti- (t̬i): Sounds like "tee" but slightly quicker and softer. The "t" is almost a tap of the tongue.

  3. mid- (mɪd): Sounds like "mid" as in "mid-day." Again, short "i" sound.

  4. a- (ə): This is a tricky one! It's a very short, unstressed “uh” sound, like the “a” in “about.” It’s almost silent and blends into the next syllable.

  5. ted (ted): Sounds like "ted" – as in, "Ted."

Putting it together:

Say it slowly at first: “in tee mid a ted” (Focus on the “t̬” sound – it’s a subtle, quick tap of the tongue.)

Then, gradually speed it up. It should sound something like: “in-t̬i-mɪd-ə-teɪ-ded.”

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • The ‘t̬’ sound: This is the hardest part. It’s a soft, almost explosive "t" sound – think of tapping your tongue lightly against the roof of your mouth. Don’t fully pronounce the "t."

  • The unstressed “a”: Don’t try to say a full “ah” sound. It’s just a very short, light “uh.”

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the third syllable: “mi-DƏ-ted.”

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Translate: Type "intimidated" into Google Translate and select the English language. Then, click the speaker icon to listen to the pronunciation.
  • Youglish: https://youglish.com/w/intimidated - This website shows you how the word is pronounced in actual YouTube videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using “intimidated”?

Usage and examples with the word intimidated in English

Let's break down how to use the word "intimidated" effectively in English. It's a powerful word that describes a specific feeling.

1. Definition:

"Intimidated" means to be made to feel afraid or nervous, often because of someone or something that seems powerful, threatening, or overwhelming. It's more than just being scared; it's a feeling of being unnerved and possibly hesitant to act.

2. Parts of Speech & Usage:

  • Adjective: This is the most common way you'll use it. It describes how someone feels.

    • Example: "I was intimidated by his reputation as a brilliant lawyer." (Describes the feeling of being afraid)
    • Example: "She felt intimidated by the size of the audience." (Describes the feeling of being nervous)

  • Verb: It can also be used as an action verb, describing the act of being made afraid.

    • Example: "He was intimidated into silence by the stern look on her face." (He was made to be silent out of fear)
    • Example: "The enormous machinery intimidated the young apprentice." (The machinery made him feel overwhelmed and frightened)

3. Common Phrases & Sentence Structures:

  • "Intimidated by...": This is a very common pattern.

    • Example: "She was intimidated by the pressure to succeed."
    • Example: "He felt intimidated by the complex instructions."

  • "Intimidated into...": This suggests being forced or persuaded to do something due to fear.

    • Example: “He was intimidated into admitting he was wrong.”

  • "Intimidated to...": Similar to "into," suggesting a compulsion caused by fear.

    • Example: "The security guard intimidated her to leave the building."

4. Nuances & Related Words:

  • Stronger than "scared": "Intimidated" implies a stronger feeling of unease and a potential reluctance to act. "Scared" can simply mean feeling afraid.

  • Similar words: Apprehensive, unnerved, daunted, apprehensive, worried

  • Antonyms (opposite words): Courageous, confident, unafraid

5. Examples in Context:

  • "The size of the stadium intimidated him; he almost backed out of the race."
  • "As a novice programmer, she was intimidated by the advanced code."
  • "He was intimidated by her sharp wit and commanding presence."
  • "The film’s dark tone intimidated many viewers."

6. Tips for Using It Well:

  • Show, don’t just tell: Instead of just saying "He was intimidated," describe how he showed it. (e.g., “He shifted his feet nervously and avoided eye contact.”)
  • Consider the cause: What is making the person feel intimidated? Be specific.
  • Use it accurately: Ensure it correctly conveys the feeling of being unnerved and possibly hesitant.

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

  • What kind of writing are you doing (e.g., creative writing, academic essay, everyday conversation)?
  • Can you give me a sentence you're trying to write where you want to use "intimidated," so I can help you revise it?

Synonyms for the word intimidated

Practice with vocabulary intimidated

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite his vast experience, the CEO felt a little _______ by the aggressive questioning from the investigative journalist.
  2. The new project manager often found himself _______ by the sheer number of tasks, struggling to prioritize effectively.
  3. Many entry-level employees feel _______ when presenting their ideas to the senior management team for the first time.
  4. After several failed attempts, the team felt _______ and considered abandoning the innovative but challenging design.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. During the negotiation, the opposing lawyer's aggressive posture and booming voice made our junior attorney feel quite ______. a) empowered b) intimidated c) confident d) daunted e) resolute
  2. The complex technical jargon used in the report left many attendees feeling ______ and unsure of the key takeaways. a) enlightened b) perplexed c) bewildered d) informed e) intimidated
  3. New team members often feel ______ by the rapid pace and high expectations of this fast-growing tech startup. a) motivated b) intimidated c) stimulated d) encouraged
  4. Standing before the packed auditorium, ready to deliver her keynote speech, the seasoned speaker felt a wave of ______ wash over her. a) apprehension b) tranquility c) composure d) excitement e) nervousness
  5. His condescending tone and critical feedback during the meeting were clearly meant to ______ the new intern, making her hesitate to voice her opinions. a) motivate b) embolden c) intimidate d) encourage

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her commanding presence and stern demeanor often made new colleagues feel quite small and nervous. (Rewrite using "intimidated" or a related word form.)
  2. The prospect of presenting his innovative but untested research to such a distinguished panel of experts filled him with a sense of dread. (Rewrite using "intimidated" or a related word form.)
  3. The sheer complexity of the new software system, combined with the tight deadline, made the development team feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "intimidated".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. intimidated
  2. overwhelmed
  3. intimidated
  4. discouraged

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) intimidated, d) daunted
  2. b) perplexed, c) bewildered
  3. b) intimidated
  4. a) apprehension, e) nervousness
  5. c) intimidate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. New colleagues often felt quite intimidated by her commanding presence and stern demeanor.
  2. He was intimidated by the prospect of presenting his innovative but untested research to such a distinguished panel of experts.
  3. The sheer complexity of the new software system, combined with the tight deadline, daunted the development team, making them unsure where to begin.

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