What is noise? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of noise

noisenoun

/nɔɪz/
Definition & pronunciation of noise

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "noise" in English. Here's a breakdown of the sounds and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sounds:

  • "noy": This part is the trickiest. It's pronounced like the "noy" in the word "node". Think of saying "node" quickly and lightly.
  • "s": This is a simple "s" sound, as in "sun."

2. Putting it Together - The Most Common Pronunciation:

The most widely accepted pronunciation is:

** /ˈnoɪz/ (noy-iz)**

  • "noy" - As described above – short, quick “noy” sound.
  • "iz" - Pronounced like the "iz" in "pizza."

3. Visual Aid & Tips:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "noise" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • Forvo: This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world: https://forvo.com/word/noise/
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce noise" on YouTube - you'll find many videos with clear examples.

4. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them:

  • Over-emphasizing the "oi" sound: Avoid trying to make it sound like "oin." It’s a subtle sound.
  • Saying "noise" like "naze": "Naze" is a completely different word.

5. Regional Variations (Minor):

While the /ˈnoɪz/ pronunciation is standard, you might occasionally hear slight variations in different accents. For example, some people in certain regions might soften the "s" slightly.

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

  • Where are you from (what accent do you have)?
  • Are you trying to pronounce it in a specific context (e.g., writing, speaking)?

Usage and examples with the word noise in English

Let's break down how to use the word "noise" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a breakdown of its different meanings and how to use it correctly, categorized for clarity:

1. General Sound (Most Common)

  • Definition: A loud, unpleasant, or disruptive sound.
  • Examples:
    • "There was a lot of noise coming from the construction site." (Unpleasant, loud)
    • "Turn down the noise! I’m trying to concentrate." (Disturbing)
    • "The city was full of noise – car horns, sirens, and people talking." (General, mixed sounds)

2. Specific Types of Noise

  • Machine Noise: (The sound a machine makes)
    • "The engine made a terrible noise."
    • "He complained about the constant noise of the factory."
  • Environmental Noise: (Sounds from nature or the environment)
    • "The noise of the ocean was calming."
    • “The rustling of leaves created a subtle noise.”
  • Electronic Noise: (Static or interference from electronics)
    • “There was static noise on the radio.”
    • “The computer was emitting a high-pitched noise.”

3. Figurative Use – Meaning Confusion or Disruption

  • Definition: A lot of confusing or distracting information or opinions. Also, a chaotic or turbulent situation.
  • Examples:
    • "The media is full of noise – it's hard to find the truth." (A lot of confusing information)
    • “His office was a noise of competing proposals.” (A chaotic situation)
    • "The political debate was just noise; none of the candidates offered any real solutions." (Empty or confusing rhetoric)

4. As a Noun (The thing itself)

  • Definition: The sound itself.
  • Examples:
    • "I asked him to lower the noise level."
    • "We received a report on the levels of noise pollution in the city."

5. As a Verb (To make a sound)

  • Definition: To make a loud or disturbing sound.
  • Examples:
    • “The dog began to noise when it heard the mailman.”
    • “The children were noising around in the hallway.” (Making a racket)

Here's a table summarizing the different ways to use “noise”:

Category Definition Example
Sound Loud, unpleasant sound “The music was too noise.”
Specific Sound (Engine, etc.) “The washing machine made a loud noise.”
Figurative Confusion, chaos “The crowd was a noise of voices.”
Noun The sound itself “I complained about the noise.”
Verb To make a sound “The babies were noising.”

Tips for Using "Noise" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: The meaning of "noise" changes depending on the situation.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like "sound," "racket," "clamor," "din," or "hubbub" to add nuance.
  • Adjectives: Use adjectives to describe the noise: “loud noise,” “irritating noise,” “subtle noise,” “background noise.”

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

  • What are you trying to write or say that you want to use the word "noise" in? (e.g., a description, a story, an email)

Synonyms for the word noise

Idioms of the word noise

a big noise/shot/name
an important person
    make a noise (about something)
    (informal)to complain loudly
    • I will continue to make as much noise as I can to support the scheme.
    make noises (about something)
    to talk in an indirect way about something that you think you might do
    • The company has been making noises about closing several factories.
    to complain about something
      make soothing, encouraging, reassuring, etc. noises
      to make remarks of the kind mentioned, even when that is not what you really think
      • He made all the right noises at the meeting yesterday (= said what people wanted to hear).

      Practice with vocabulary noise

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The research team installed specialized equipment to measure the background ______ that could interfere with their sensitive readings.
      2. Although the city is generally bustling, the library provides a peaceful refuge where one can work without the constant ______ of traffic.
      3. The sudden ______ in the hallway drew everyone's attention, as a heavy box had just fallen from a trolley.
      4. In a truly quiet environment, the slightest ______ can seem amplified and distracting, especially during focused work.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. The new regulations aim to minimize the environmental ______ generated by industrial activities near residential areas. A. quiet B. noise C. melody D. stillness

      2. When analyzing the complex financial data, it is crucial to filter out any extraneous ______ to identify the true market trends. A. signal B. clarity C. noise D. information

      3. During the satellite transmission, intermittent ______ on the communication line caused parts of the message to be unintelligible. A. distortion B. noise C. reception D. quietude

      4. The children's excited ______ filled the amusement park, echoing between the rides and attractions. A. stillness B. clamor C. tranquility D. hum

      5. The constant ______ of the server racks indicated that the data center was operating at full capacity. A. whisper B. whirring C. silence D. echo

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The excessive sounds from the construction site next door made it extremely difficult for the students to concentrate on their exams.

        • Rewrite starting with: The students found it extremely difficult...

      2. The supervisor requested that all employees reduce their unnecessary talking and bustling movements to improve overall productivity.

        • Rewrite starting with: To improve overall productivity, the supervisor...

      3. Despite the lively and energetic atmosphere of the busy market, the small café offered a surprisingly peaceful experience.

        • Rewrite starting with: Despite the lively and energetic atmosphere of the busy market, the small café offered a surprisingly...

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. noise
      2. sound
      3. commotion
      4. noise

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. B. noise
      2. C. noise
      3. A. distortion, B. noise (Both are correct as "noise" is a type of "distortion" and often used interchangeably in this context)
      4. B. clamor
      5. B. whirring

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The students found it extremely difficult to concentrate on their exams due to the excessive noise from the construction site next door.
      2. To improve overall productivity, the supervisor requested that all employees reduce their unnecessary chatter and bustling movements.
      3. Despite the lively and energetic atmosphere of the busy market, the small café offered a surprisingly tranquil experience.

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