What is lawbreaker? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of lawbreaker

lawbreakernoun

/ˈlɔːbreɪkə(r)//ˈlɔːbreɪkər/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "lawbreaker." Here's a breakdown and a few options for how to say it:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Most Accurate):

  • /ˈlæ.broʊ.kər/

Let's break that down:

  • ˈlæ - This is the stressed syllable. It sounds like "lay" (as in "lay down"). The apostrophe (ˈ) indicates the stressed syllable.
  • broʊ - This part sounds like "brow" – with a broad "o" sound, like in "toe." (The "h" is silent).
  • kər - This sounds like "car" – with a short “er” sound.

2. How to say it aloud (with emphasis):

Here are a few slightly different ways it can be pronounced, all emphasizing the stressed syllable:

  • "Lay-brow-ker" - This is probably the most common and easily understood pronunciation.
  • "Law-brow-ker" - This is also perfectly acceptable.

Tips for Clarity:

  • Stress: Make sure you emphasize the first syllable ("lay").
  • "Brow" sound: Really focus on the wide "o" sound in “broʊ”. Don’t make it a short, quick "oh" sound.
  • "er" sound: The final "er" is a short "er" sound like in "her."

Resources for Hearing it Pronounced:

  • Google Search: Just search for "how to pronounce lawbreaker" on Google, and you'll get audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/lawbreaker/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word “lawbreaker”?

Usage and examples with the word lawbreaker in English

Let's break down how to use the word "lawbreaker" effectively in English.

1. Definition:

"Lawbreaker" refers to a person who breaks the law. It's a straightforward term for someone who commits a crime or violates a legal rule.

2. Usage:

  • As a Noun: This is the most common usage. You’ll typically say "a lawbreaker."

    • Example: "The police are searching for a lawbreaker who robbed the bank yesterday."
    • Example: "He was arrested for being a lawbreaker.”

  • As an Adjective (less common, but possible): You can use "lawbreaker" to describe someone who commits crimes. It’s less frequently used this way, and often sounds a bit formal or emphatic.

    • Example: "The lawbreaker was sentenced to five years in prison.” (Here, "lawbreaker" describes the person who received the sentence.)
    • Example: "He’s a known lawbreaker and should be treated with caution." (Again, describing the person’s status.)

3. Synonyms:

  • Criminal: This is often a good substitute, especially in more formal contexts.
  • Offender: A more neutral term, suggesting someone who has committed an offense.
  • Felon: Specifically refers to someone who has been convicted of a serious crime (often a felony).
  • Violator: Good for describing someone who breaks rules or regulations (not always illegal).
  • Offending party: Used in legal documents to describe someone who has broken the law.

4. Tone and Context:

  • Formal: "Lawbreaker" leans toward a more formal tone. It's suitable for legal documents, news reports, or serious discussions about crime.
  • Informal: “Criminal” or “offender” are generally more common in everyday speech.

5. Examples in Sentences (showing different contexts):

  • “The lawbreaker’s actions caused significant damage to the community.” (Formal, emphasizes the impact)
  • “He pleaded guilty to the charges and was labeled a lawbreaker.” (Legal context)
  • “The teenager was caught spray-painting on a building – he’s a lawbreaker.” (More casual, describing a specific act)
  • "The police are working to bring the lawbreaker to justice." (Official and serious)

Important Note: Be mindful of the connotations of "lawbreaker." While a factual description, it can sometimes sound judgmental or overly harsh. Consider the context and whether a more neutral term might be appropriate.

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

  • What kind of writing are you doing (e.g., a news article, a story, a personal essay)?
  • What is the specific situation you’re trying to describe?

Synonyms for the word lawbreaker

Practice with vocabulary lawbreaker

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The prosecutor argued that the individual was a repeat ____________ and deserved the maximum penalty.
  2. Despite strict regulations, some companies continue to discharge untreated waste, acting as environmental ____________.
  3. The investigative team worked tirelessly to identify the ____________ responsible for the embezzlement scheme.
  4. To deter future transgressions, society must ensure that every ____________ faces appropriate legal consequences.

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

  1. Which of the following terms best describes someone who consistently commits illegal acts? a) a bystander b) a prosecutor c) a lawbreaker d) an arbitrator

  2. Select all words that can describe an individual found guilty of a serious crime. a) a victim b) a criminal c) an offender d) a lawbreaker

  3. In a legal context, which word refers to someone accused of a crime, but not yet proven guilty? a) the plaintiff b) the defendant c) the jury d) the attorney

  4. Which options could describe a person who deliberately ignores traffic rules, such as speeding or running red lights? a) a careful driver b) a rule-follower c) a violator d) a lawbreaker

  5. Which term would a judge most likely use to refer to someone who has committed a felony? a) a witness b) a perpetrator c) a defense counsel d) an expert

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The individual who committed the felony was apprehended by the police. Rewrite using "lawbreaker" or a related word form:

  2. Original: It is imperative that we prevent people from breaking the law. Rewrite using "lawbreaker" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The person responsible for the widespread fraud was finally identified after a lengthy investigation. Rewrite without using "lawbreaker," but with a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. lawbreaker
  2. polluters
  3. culprit
  4. lawbreaker

Exercise 2:

  1. c) a lawbreaker
  2. b) a criminal, c) an offender, d) a lawbreaker
  3. b) the defendant
  4. c) a violator, d) a lawbreaker
  5. b) a perpetrator

Exercise 3:

  1. The police apprehended the lawbreaker.
  2. It is imperative to prevent individuals from becoming lawbreakers.
  3. The perpetrator responsible for the widespread fraud was finally identified after a lengthy investigation.

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