What is member? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of member

membernoun

/ˈmɛmbə/
Definition & pronunciation of member

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈmɛm.bər/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈmɛm: This is pronounced like the word "them" but with a slightly shorter "e" sound. Think of the "e" in "bed." It’s a short, clear "e" sound.
  2. bər: This is the tricky part. It's a vowel sound that doesn't exist in many other languages. It's a brief, almost schwa-like (weak) "uh" sound followed by a slight "r" sound. It's not quite like the "er" in "her." It's a very quick "uh" sound that feels like it's almost disappearing into the "r". Think of it as a softened, almost swallowed "r" at the end of a syllable.

Here's a breakdown of what to avoid:

  • Don’t say it like “mem-ber” (like "member" in "member of the team") - this is a very common mistake.
  • Don’t overemphasize the "r" – the 'r' sound should be very brief and not pronounced strongly.

Resources to help you hear it:

Practice Tip: Try saying "them" and then quickly adding a very quick, almost swallowed "r" at the end. Focus on the short "e" sound in the first syllable.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how it's used in sentences?
  • Focus on a specific aspect of the pronunciation (like the difficult vowel sound)?

Usage and examples with the word member in English

Let's break down how to use the word "member" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (the core meaning):

  • A person who belongs to a group or organization: This is the most common usage.
    • "She is a member of the book club." (She's part of the book club.)
    • "He became a member of the gym last month." (He joined the gym.)
    • "The United Nations is made up of many member states." (Countries that belong to the UN)
    • "As a member of the board, she has a responsibility to oversee the company's finances." (A person on the board)

2. Types of Groups Where "Member" is Used:

  • Clubs & Organizations: (as above - book clubs, sports teams, hiking groups, political organizations, etc.)
  • Businesses: “Employee” and “Member” can be used interchangeably, but “member” is often used in companies with a strong community or loyalty program. “She’s a valued member of our team.” (often referring to someone with loyalty/benefits)
  • Families: "He is a member of my family.” (A relative)
  • Military: “A member of the armed forces.” (A soldier)
  • Political Bodies: “A member of Parliament.” (A member of the legislature)
  • Religious Groups: “A member of the church.” (A person who belongs to the church)

3. As a Verb (less common, but important):

  • To join a group or organization: "I want to member the tennis club." (I want to join the tennis club - Note the archaic form of "member" here)
  • To be a constituent of something: This is a more formal usage. “He is a member of the committee.” (He is part of the committee.)

4. Using "Membership" (the noun form related to "member"):

  • Membership refers to the state of being a member or the right to be a member.
    • "The annual membership fee is $50." (The cost to become a member)
    • “The organization offers different levels of membership.” (Different kinds of membership)
    • “She’s a lifetime member." (Someone who has paid for ongoing membership.)

5. Formal vs. Informal:

  • "Member" is generally considered more formal than “participant.” You’d likely use “member” for official documents, memberships, and formal organizations.
  • “Participant” is more suitable for less formal groups or situations (e.g., a workshop, a conference).

Examples to Illustrate Different Contexts:

  • Formal: "As a senior member of the scientific community, Dr. Evans has made significant contributions to the field."
  • Informal: "I’m a member of a running group – it’s a great way to stay active!"
  • Business: “Our loyalty membership program offers exclusive discounts.”
  • Military: “He’s a proud member of the army.”

Resources for More Examples and Usage:

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

  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., business, sports, a specific organization?)
  • Are you trying to use “member” as a noun or a verb?

Synonyms for the word member

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