What is new? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of new

newadjective/noun

/njuː/
Definition & pronunciation of new

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "new" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's the breakdown:

The Standard Pronunciation (American & British):

  • Sounds: /njuː/ (This is called a diphthong - a glide from one sound to another)
  • How to say it:
    1. Start with a short "n" sound: Like in the word "no."
    2. Then, slide your tongue slightly back and up towards the roof of your mouth, while keeping a little "oo" sound (like in "moon" or "blue"). It's a quick, subtle movement.
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("n").

Visual Aid (Think of it like this):

Imagine saying "n" and then rapidly transitioning to a sound that's somewhere between "n" and "oo."

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them:

  • Saying "new" like "new" (rhyming with "shoe"): This is the most common mistake. You're not gliding your tongue enough. Make sure you're actively shifting the sound.
  • Saying "noo": You’re emphasizing the "oo" too much and not including the initial "n" sound.

Resources for Hearing It:

To help me tailor the explanation even more, would you like me to:

  • Tell you how it sounds in a specific accent (e.g., American, British, Australian)?

Usage and examples with the word new in English

Let's break down how to use the word "new" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its uses, with examples:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Something Recently Made or Introduced)

This is the most common use! "New" describes something that is recently created, arrived, or started.

  • New things: "I bought a new car." (It's a recently purchased car)
  • New ideas: "She had new ideas for the project." (Ideas that are recently conceived)
  • New rules: "The school implemented new rules about cell phones." (Rules that are recently established)
  • New technology: “This phone has new features.” (Features recently added.)
  • New arrival: "We received a new shipment of books." (Books recently delivered)

2. As a Noun (Referring to Something Recently Made or Introduced)

"New" can also be a noun, referring to the state of being new.

  • "Let's talk about the new developments."** (Referring to recent changes or advancements)
  • "He’s excited about his new job.” (Referring to the newly acquired position)
  • “The new policies are confusing.”** (Referring to recently implemented policies)

3. To Indicate 'Recently' - Used with Time Expressions

You can use "new" to signal a recently completed time period.

  • "I've been learning English for new two years." (I've been learning for the last two years)
  • "We spent new weekend at the beach."** (We spent the most recent weekend)
  • "I started a new job last month." (I began working last month)

4. "New to" - Meaning 'Not Familiar With'

This is a common idiomatic expression.

  • "I'm new to this city." (I'm not familiar with this city.)
  • "She's new to the software." (She doesn’t know how to use the software.)
  • "He's new to the team." (He's recently joined the team.)

5. "New-ish" - A Slightly Informal Way to Describe Something Relatively Recent

  • "It’s new-ish, but still a bit worn." (It’s recently acquired, but it shows some use.) This adds a hint of "not brand new."

6. In Phrases & Idioms

  • "A fresh start": Beginning something entirely new.
  • “A new day”: A new beginning, a fresh start.
  • “New kid on the block”: A newcomer, someone recently arrived.

Tips for Using "New" Correctly:

  • Comparatives: "New" is often used to compare something to something older. Example: “This car is newer than my old one.” (You can also use "newer" as an adjective.)
  • "Recently" vs. "New": While similar, "recently" is a more formal adverb. "New" is more common in everyday speech.
  • Context is Key: The meaning of “new” often depends on the context of the sentence.

Resources for More Examples:

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

  • What specifically are you struggling with when using the word "new"? (e.g., using it in a sentence, understanding a particular phrase?)

Synonyms for the word new

Idioms of the word new

(a) brave new world
a situation or society that changes in a way that is meant to improve people’s lives but is often a source of extra problems
  • the brave new world of technology
  • the architects' vision of a brave new world of pristine concrete
break new ground
to make a new discovery or do something that has not been done before
  • Her architectural designs have broken new ground.
breathe (new) life into something
to improve something by introducing new ideas and making people more interested in it
  • The results of their research have breathed new life into the debate.
the emperor's new clothes
used to describe a situation in which everybody suddenly realizes that they were wrong to believe that somebody/something was very good, important, etc.
  • Is this artist's white canvas a case of the emperor's new clothes or is it something beautiful, even moving?
  • Soon investors will realize that the emperor has no clothes and there will be a big sell-off in stocks.
(as) good as new | like new
in very good condition, as it was when it was new
  • I've had your coat cleaned—it's as good as new now.
… is the new…
(informal)used to say that something has become very fashionable and can be thought of as replacing something else
  • Brown is the new black.
  • Comedy is the new rock and roll.
  • Fifty is the new forty.
new/fresh blood
new members or employees, especially young ones, with new ideas or ways of doing things
  • This company badly needs to bring in some new blood.
a new broom
(British English, often disapproving)a person who has just started to work for an organization, department, etc., especially in a senior job, and who is likely to make a lot of changes
  • Well, you know what they say—a new broom sweeps clean.
a/the new kid on the block
(informal)a person who is new to a place, an organization, etc.
  • Despite his six years in politics, he was still regarded by many as the new kid on the block.
the new normal
a situation that used to be unusual but is now what you should expect
  • This is not a temporary blip—this is the new normal.
  • Scientists say these weather patterns could be the new normal for Florida.
a new one on me
(informal)used to say that you have not heard a particular idea, piece of information, joke, etc. before
  • ‘Have you come across this before?’ ‘No, it's a new one on me.’
put a new/different complexion on something
to change the way that a situation appears
  • What you have told us puts a different complexion on the situation.
  • The joke took on a rather serious complexion when the police became involved.
sink/stoop to a new/an all-time low
to behave in a worse way than ever before
  • The government has stooped to an all-time low with this policy.
  • Reality TV has sunk to new lows.
(you can’t) teach an old dog new tricks
(saying)(you cannot) successfully make people change their ideas, methods of work, etc., when they have had them for a long time
    turn over a new leaf
    to change your way of life to become a better, more responsible person
      what’s new?
      (informal)used as a friendly greeting
      • Hi! What's new?

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