What is novel? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of novel

novelnoun

/ˈnɒvl/
Definition & pronunciation of novel

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈnɒvəl/ (rhymes with "bowl")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. “No”: The first syllable sounds like the word "no." It's a short, sharp sound.
  2. “Vel”: The second syllable sounds like "vel." The 'v' is pronounced as a 'v' sound, and the 'el' is a quick, unstressed sound.

Visual Aid:

You can also listen to it online to get a better feel:

Common Mispronunciations (and why they're wrong):

  • “Novel” as “No-vel” (like “novelty”): This is a very common mistake. The “l” sound is silent in this pronunciation.
  • “No-vall”: This is also incorrect; it doesn’t have the 'l' sound at the end.

To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • What specifically are you struggling with in pronouncing it?

Usage and examples with the word novel in English

Let's break down how to use the word "novel" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown of its common uses:

1. As a Noun (Most Common Meaning): A Book

  • Definition: A novel is a long, fictional story in prose (written in ordinary language, not verse). It's a significant work of literature.
  • Examples:
    • "I’m reading a novel by Jane Austen."
    • "He wrote a novel about a time traveler."
    • "The novel explores themes of love and loss."
    • "She's been working on her novel for five years."

2. As an Adjective (Meaning New or Unusual)

  • Definition: "Novel" describes something that is new, original, or different. It goes beyond the ordinary or familiar.
  • Examples:
    • "They suggested a novel approach to the problem." (A new approach)
    • "The restaurant served a novel combination of flavors." (An unusual flavor combination)
    • "He had a novel idea for a marketing campaign." (A fresh and inventive idea)
    • "The museum showcased novel art installations." (Innovative art)

3. Less Common – A Creative and Original Person or Idea

  • Definition: Sometimes, “novel” is used to describe someone who’s creative, imaginative, and has fresh ideas. It suggests a certain ingenuity.
  • Examples:
    • “He’s a novel thinker, always coming up with unconventional solutions.”
    • “The company is looking for a novel marketing director.” (Someone with strikingly different ideas)

Key Differences to Remember:

Feature Novel (Noun - Book) Novel (Adjective - New)
What it is A written story Something new/unique
Function Represents a work Describes a quality

Tips for Using "Novel" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • "New" is often a good substitute: If you're unsure, using "new" or "different" in the sentence is a safe bet.
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Novel" is more common in formal writing and speech than in casual conversation. "New" is usually more natural in everyday speech.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What are you hoping to achieve by using this word?

Synonyms for the word novel

Practice with vocabulary novel

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The research team proposed a truly ________ approach to waste management, which promised greater efficiency.
  2. Implementing such a ________ strategy in a long-standing organization requires significant buy-in from all stakeholders.
  3. Each individual's genetic makeup is ________, making personalized medicine a complex but promising field.
  4. Despite technological advancements, many industries still rely on ________ manufacturing techniques.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The startup's ________ business model quickly disrupted the established market. A) conventional B) novel C) familiar D) traditional

  2. Scientists are exploring ________ methods for carbon capture, hoping to find more efficient solutions. (Select all that apply) A) innovative B) traditional C) novel D) common

  3. Presenting a ________ perspective on the issue, the speaker challenged the audience's assumptions. A) outdated B) customary C) novel D) familiar

  4. The ________ findings challenged long-held theories in the field. A) preliminary B) inconclusive C) groundbreaking D) expected

  5. The project faced several ________ challenges, including limited resources and a tight deadline. A) insurmountable B) significant C) trivial D) negligible

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The team developed an entirely new way to process data efficiently. Rewrite using "novel":

  2. Original: Her ideas were very fresh and original, setting her apart from her peers. Rewrite using "novel":

  3. Original: The company is always looking for new and creative solutions to customer problems. Rewrite without using "novel", but with a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. novel
  2. novel
  3. unique
  4. conventional

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) novel
  2. A) innovative, C) novel
  3. C) novel
  4. C) groundbreaking
  5. B) significant

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team developed a novel approach to data processing efficiency.
  2. Her novel ideas set her apart from her peers.
  3. The company is always seeking innovative solutions to customer problems.

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