What is news? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of news

newsnoun

/njuːz/
Definition & pronunciation of news

The word "news" is a bit tricky because it's pronounced differently depending on where you are! Here's a breakdown:

  • American English: /ˈnuːz/ (pronounced like "new-z") - The "ew" sound is short and quick.

  • British English: /njuːz/ (pronounced the same as American English, but often with a slightly more drawn-out "ew")

Here's a simple way to remember it:

Think of the word "new." Add the "z" sound at the end.

You can also hear examples:

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Usage and examples with the word news in English

Let's break down how to use the word "news" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its common uses and how to incorporate it into your speech and writing:

1. As a Noun (The most common usage):

  • General Information: This is the primary meaning – it refers to information about recent events.

    • "I just read the news about the earthquake."
    • "Did you hear the news? They won the game!"
    • "The news is that the company is expanding."

  • Specific Articles/Reports: “News” can refer to a particular story or report.

    • "I'm waiting for the news from the doctor." (Meaning: the results of a test)
    • "I saw the news on CNN."

  • Current Events:

    • "The news tonight focused on the political debate."
    • “There’s been a lot of bad news lately.”

2. As a Verb (Less common, but important):

  • To Inform/Tell (Someone): This means to give someone information.
    • "I need to news you about the changes." (Formal - a bit old-fashioned, but still understood)
    • "I news you that your flight is delayed." (More common and natural)
    • "Can you news me what time the meeting starts?"

3. Phrases Using “News”:

  • "Have any news?" - A common greeting, asking if someone has any updates or information. "Have you heard any news about the job?"
  • "Good news!" / "Bad news!" - Expressing the positivity or negativity of something. "I got the promotion! Good news!"
  • "Stay tuned for the news." - Meaning: “Wait for the information to be released.”
  • "The news is breaking." - Meaning: Important information is emerging rapidly. "The news is breaking about the hurricane."
  • "Make the news" – To be featured in the media, often in a prominent way. “His actions made the news worldwide.”

4. Different Types of News:

  • Local News: News about your immediate area.
  • National News: News about your country.
  • International News: News about other countries.
  • World News: Covers all events around the globe.
  • Breaking News: Immediate, urgent news that is unfolding as it happens.

Tips for Using "News" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "news" can shift slightly depending on the situation.
  • Variety: Don’t overuse "news." Consider using synonyms like “information,” “updates,” “developments,” or “reports.”
  • Formal vs. Informal: The verb form ("news") is more formal and less frequently used in everyday conversation. "Tell" or "inform" are generally more common.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you trying to use "news" in? (e.g., a sentence, a paragraph, a conversation?)

Synonyms for the word news

Idioms of the word news

be bad news (for somebody/something)
to be likely to cause problems
  • Central heating is bad news for indoor plants.
be good news (for somebody/something)
to be likely to be helpful or give an advantage
  • The cut in interest rates is good news for homeowners.
  • The good news is that there's still plenty of money available.
break the news (to somebody)
to be the first to tell somebody some bad news
  • There's no easy way to break the news.
  • The police had to break the news to the boy's parents.
no news is good news
(saying)if there were bad news we would hear it, so as we have heard nothing, it is likely that nothing bad has happened
  • I still haven't heard anything about the job, but no news is good news.

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