What is league? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of league

leaguenoun

/liːɡ/
Definition & pronunciation of league

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /liːɡ/ (rhymes with "beige")

Let's break that down further:

  • "li": Pronounced like "lee" – as in "little"
  • "ge": Pronounced like "guh" - a short, guttural "g" sound (think of the "g" in "go")
  • "–": The dash is just a sound break.

Here's how it sounds: Listen to this audio example to get a better feel:

Common Mistakes & Why They're Wrong:

  • "leak" (as in, "to drip") - This is a very common mistake.
  • "leag" (with a separate 'a' sound) - This is incorrect.

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Focus on the "guh" sound: Really try to make that short, slightly guttural "g" sound.
  • Practice saying "lee-guh" slowly: Repeat the syllables to get the rhythm right.
  • Listen to native speakers: The audio examples above are great for this.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "league"?

Usage and examples with the word league in English

Let's break down how to use the word "league" in English. It has several different meanings and uses! Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As a Group or Association (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. "League" refers to a formal organization of people united by a common interest or purpose.
  • Examples:
    • "The National Football League (NFL) is a professional American football league." (A group of teams)
    • "She joined a book league to meet new people and discuss literature." (A group of readers)
    • "The environmental league is campaigning to protect endangered species." (A group advocating for a cause)
    • "He's part of a chess league." (A group of chess players)

2. As a Level or Rank (Often in Sports & Games)

  • Meaning: “League” can describe a competitive level or rank within a sport or game. It suggests a certain standard of play.
  • Examples:
    • “He’s playing in a higher league now.” (Meaning he’s playing against more skilled opponents)
    • "They won their league championship." (Referring to the championship within their league)
    • “This game is at the top league.” (Suggesting it’s a very competitive game)

3. Historical/Medieval Meaning (Less Common in Modern Usage)

  • Meaning: Historically, "league" referred to a sacred or ceremonial bond or alliance. This is a more archaic usage.
  • Example: (You'd likely only see this in literature or historical contexts) “The king formed a league with his neighboring kingdoms.”

4. Figurative Usage – "To League" (To Form an Alliance)

  • Meaning: "To league" means to form an alliance or partnership, often secretly or discreetly.
  • Examples:
    • "The spies began to league together to uncover the enemy's plans."
    • "They decided to league with a rival company to get a better deal."

5. “League” as a Verb (Rare, but exists)

  • Meaning: “To league” can also be a verb, meaning to form an alliance or partnership. This is less common.
  • Example: "The two companies are attempting to league to dominate the market."

Here's a breakdown to help you remember the nuances:

Usage Meaning Example
Formal Organization Group united by a common interest "The Red Cross is a humanitarian league."
Competitive Level Level of competition “She’s playing in a youth league.”
Alliance To form an alliance “They began to league against the bully.”
Historical Sacred bond “The barons formed a league of support.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • In what context are you thinking of using the word "league"? (e.g., writing a story, explaining a concept, having a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word league

Idioms of the word league

in league (with somebody)
making secret plans with somebody
  • Those two crooks seem to be in league with each other.

Practice with vocabulary league

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After years of dedicated research, her groundbreaking discoveries placed her in a different ______ from her peers.
  2. The company formed a strategic ______ with several tech startups to develop a new AI platform.
  3. His innovative approach to problem-solving quickly elevated him into the top ______ of industry leaders.
  4. The international ______ of scientists collaboratively published their findings on climate change.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which words best describe a formal association of nations or organizations? a) cartel b) league c) alliance d) syndicate

  2. If someone says a task is "out of their ______," what does it imply about its difficulty or suitability? a) range b) depth c) league d) scope

  3. Select the term(s) that can refer to a group of experts or professionals working together on a common goal. a) faction b) consortium c) association d) coterie

  4. Which of the following phrases indicates a significant difference in quality, skill, or status? a) a similar tier b) a different league c) a parallel dimension d) another echelon

  5. Which words describe a formal agreement or partnership between two or more parties for mutual benefit? a) feud b) pact c) treaty d) rupture

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her unique talents meant she was operating at a much higher standard than her contemporaries. (Rewrite using "league")
  2. The independent research groups decided to unite to tackle the global energy crisis. (Rewrite using "league" or related word forms)
  3. The two nations entered into a formal agreement to share intelligence and military resources. (Rewrite WITHOUT using "league")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. league
  2. alliance
  3. league
  4. consortium

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) league, c) alliance
  2. c) league
  3. b) consortium, c) association
  4. b) a different league, d) another echelon
  5. b) pact, c) treaty

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Her unique talents placed her in a different league from her contemporaries.
  2. The independent research groups decided to form a league to tackle the global energy crisis.
  3. The two nations established a formal alliance to share intelligence and military resources.

Comment ()