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.

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