What is launch? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of launch

launchverb

/lɔːn(t)ʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of launch

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "launch" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and it depends a bit on where you're from!

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: "lawnch" (rhymes with "lunch")
  • Breakdown:
    • la - pronounced like the "la" in "lap"
    • unch - pronounced like "lunch" (with a "ch" sound at the beginning)

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • Sounds like: "lahntch" (rhymes with "branch")
  • Breakdown:
    • lah - pronounced like "la" in "lap"
    • ntch - a sound that’s a little tricky. It's a blend of "n" and "ch," almost like a gentle "ch" sound followed by a soft "n" sound.

Resources to help you hear the difference:

To summarize:

  • Most Americans say: lawnch
  • Many Brits say: lahntch

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

  • Where are you from? (This will help me know which pronunciation is more likely to be natural for you.)

Usage and examples with the word launch in English

Let's break down how to use the word "launch" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several distinct meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb - Starting Something New:

  • General Start: This is the most common usage. “Launch” means to begin something new, often something ambitious or significant.

    • Example: "The company plans to launch a new product next month." (Start to introduce a product)
    • Example: "We're going to launch a marketing campaign to increase sales." (Begin a campaign)
    • Example: "The astronauts will launch into space tomorrow." (Start a space mission)

  • Launching a Website/App/Software: Specifically refers to making something digital available to the public.

    • Example: "Google launched its new AI chatbot yesterday."
    • Example: "We'll launch the app on iOS and Android by the end of the week."

  • Launching a Business: Starting a company.

    • Example: “They launched their startup with a simple idea and a lot of passion.”

2. As a Verb - Sending Something into the Air:

  • Rockets and Spacecraft: This is the original meaning.

    • Example: “The rocket is scheduled to launch at 9:00 AM.”
    • Example: "The satellite was successfully launched into orbit."

  • Sports (Less Common): Can describe throwing something, like a ball.

    • Example: "He launched the football downfield." (Less formal than "kicked")

3. As a Noun - The Act of Starting:

  • The Act of Beginning: When used as a noun, “launch” refers to the action of starting something.
    • Example: "The launch was a huge success." (Referring to the successful start of a product or campaign)
    • Example: "The company’s launch event was packed with reporters."

4. Figurative Meanings (More Advanced):

  • To Introduce or Reveal: Sometimes "launch" means to make something public or available.

    • Example: "The government launched a new initiative to combat poverty.” (Announced and made available)

  • To Initiate or Trigger:

    • Example: “The scandal launched a major investigation.” (Started a process)

Tips for Using "Launch" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "launch" is heavily dependent on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand what's being initiated.
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Launch" is generally a more formal word than “start”.
  • Alternatives: If "launch" feels too strong or specific, consider using words like “begin,” “start,” “introduce,” “release,” or “initiate.”

Resources for More Examples:

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

  • What are you trying to use "launch" in a sentence about? (e.g., a product, a business, a campaign, something else?)

Synonyms for the word launch

Practice with vocabulary launch

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The technology giant is set to ______ its highly anticipated new smartphone model at the annual conference.
  2. Before the official announcement, the committee must ______ the proposed policy changes with all stakeholders.
  3. After months of meticulous planning, the aerospace agency successfully ______ the research satellite into a polar orbit.
  4. To ensure legal compliance, we must ______ all necessary documents before proceeding with the merger.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms best describes the official introduction of a new product or a major initiative to the public? A) finalize B) launch C) withdraw D) suspend E) conclude

  2. To successfully send the spacecraft beyond Earth's atmosphere, the engineers must carefully ______ it from the designated platform. A) assemble B) retrieve C) launch D) anchor E) propel

  3. After months of intensive training, the athletes are ready to ______ their bid for the national championship. A) surrender B) postpone C) withdraw D) launch E) abandon

  4. Once the new security protocols have been approved, the IT department will need to ______ them across all network systems. A) propose B) discuss C) implement D) delay E) evaluate

  5. Before the main presentation, the moderator will briefly ______ the discussion with an overview of the key topics. A) conclude B) prolong C) initiate D) interrupt E) adjourn

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The marketing team plans to introduce a new advertising campaign next quarter. Rewrite using "launch":

  2. Their new program to improve employee well-being will begin next month. Rewrite using a related form of "launch":

  3. The project management committee will officially start the construction phase after receiving final approval. Rewrite, replacing the verb phrase with a suitable alternative (do not use "launch"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. launch
  2. review / discuss / approve (Note: "review" or "discuss" are good fits for before an official announcement.)
  3. launched
  4. submit / provide / file (Note: "submit" or "provide" are common for documents.)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) launch
  2. C) launch, E) propel
  3. D) launch
  4. C) implement
  5. C) initiate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The marketing team plans to launch a new advertising campaign next quarter.
  2. The launch of their new program to improve employee well-being is scheduled for next month.
  3. The project management committee will officially commence the construction phase after receiving final approval.

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