What is outdoors? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of outdoors

outdoorsadverb

/ˌaʊtˈdɔːz/
Definition & pronunciation of outdoors

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

1. Segmenting the word:

  • out: Pronounced like "oot" (like the beginning of "ootball") - short and quick.
  • doors: Pronounced like "dors" - rhymes with "cors" (as in "corset").

2. Combining the sounds:

Say it all together slowly: “Oot-dors”

3. Important nuances:

  • The “r” sound: The “r” in “doors” is a tricky one. It's an affricate r – a blend of an “r” and a “d” sound. It’s not a strong, rolled “r” like you might hear in Spanish. It's a softer, slightly more subtle “r” sound. Think of it as a quick little "d" sound followed immediately by an "r". This is the key to making it sound correct.

  • Linking: The "o" in "out" connects smoothly to the "o" in "doors." Don’t pronounce each vowel separately.

Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols (for those who like that):

/aʊtˈdɔːrz/

  • /aʊt/ – as described above
  • /ˈdɔːrz/ – "dors" with a slightly stressed “dor” sound.

Tips for practice:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce outdoors" on YouTube and listen to several pronunciations. Pay attention to the “r” sound.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.
  • Practice in sentences: "Let's go exploring outdoors." This will help you get comfortable with the rhythm of the word.

Resources:

Would you like me to:

  • Say the word slowly and clearly?
  • Give you some more examples of words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word outdoors in English

Let's break down how to use the word "outdoors" in English. It's a really common and versatile word!

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Essentially, "outdoors" means "outside." It refers to anything that happens or exists away from buildings and indoors spaces.

2. Common Uses:

  • Describing Activities: This is probably the most frequent use.

    • "I love spending time outdoors." (General enjoyment of being outside)
    • "We went hiking outdoors." (Specifically, hiking in a natural setting)
    • "They enjoyed a picnic outdoors." (A meal eaten outside)
    • "Let's play baseball outdoors." (A sport played outside)

  • Describing Places: It describes natural environments.

    • "The park is a great place to relax outdoors."
    • "They camped outdoors in the forest."
    • "This lake is a popular spot for swimming outdoors."

  • Describing Weather:

    • "It's beautiful outdoors today!" (Meaning the weather is pleasant)
    • "We’ll have to postpone the event – it's too rainy outdoors."

  • Figurative Uses (Less Common, but worth noting): Sometimes, "outdoors" is used metaphorically to suggest authenticity, honesty, or a lack of pretense.

    • "He was speaking outdoors, meaning he was being completely honest and straightforward." (This usage is less frequent and slightly more formal.)

3. Phrases Using "Outdoors":

  • “Get outdoors”: Encourage someone to go outside.
  • “Go outdoors”: To leave the house and spend time in nature.
  • “Outdoor activities”: Hiking, camping, fishing, etc.
  • “Outdoor spaces”: Parks, gardens, fields.
  • “Outdoor events”: Festivals, concerts held outside.

4. Grammatical Notes:

  • Adjective: "Outdoors" is almost always used as an adjective – describing something. You wouldn’t say “I am outdoors.” You’d say “I am outside.”
  • Prepositional Phrase: It often functions as a prepositional phrase: "in the outdoors," "on the outdoors," “around the outdoors.”

Examples Combining These Points:

  • "We had a wonderful weekend outdoors, exploring the trails and enjoying the fresh air."
  • "The children love playing games outdoors in the garden."
  • "She prefers to read a book outdoors on a sunny afternoon."

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

  • What are you trying to use "outdoors" in? (e.g., a story, a conversation, an email?)
  • Is there a specific sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word outdoors

Practice with vocabulary outdoors

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many companies are now encouraging employees to take short breaks and even hold meetings ________ to boost creativity and well-being.
  2. After being cooped up inside all winter, we were eager to spend more time ________, enjoying the warmer weather and sunshine.
  3. The architectural design includes a large patio, perfect for dining ________ with a view of the garden.
  4. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting our natural ________ for future generations.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

(There may be multiple correct answers per question.)

  1. For optimal employee well-being, our company encourages regular breaks spent ________. A) indoors B) outdoors C) inside D) within the premises

  2. Many people find that engaging in activities ________ helps to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. A) in the open air B) outside C) outdoors D) externally

  3. The new project involves extensive fieldwork, meaning our team will be working ________ for several weeks. A) inside B) outdoors C) in natural settings D) under cover

  4. Before implementing any changes, we conducted a thorough analysis of the ________ and internal factors affecting the project. A) exterior B) outward C) external D) outdoors

  5. The team decided to hold their informal brainstorming session in the park, as they believed that an ________ setting would foster more creative ideas. A) indoor B) sheltered C) open-air D) contained

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: We prefer to do our team-building activities in the natural environment, not confined within office walls. Rewrite using "outdoors" or a related word form: We prefer to do our team-building activities ________, not confined within office walls.

  2. Original: To promote physical activity, the city has developed numerous public spaces where people can exercise in the open air. Rewrite using "outdoors" or a related word form: To promote physical activity, the city has developed numerous public spaces for ________ exercise.

  3. Original: The cafe offers a pleasant area for customers to enjoy their coffee while sitting outside in the fresh air. Rewrite without using "outdoors" or related forms, using a suitable replacement word: The cafe offers a pleasant ________ area for customers to enjoy their coffee in the fresh air.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many companies are now encouraging employees to take short breaks and even hold meetings outdoors to boost creativity and well-being.
  2. After being cooped up inside all winter, we were eager to spend more time outdoors, enjoying the warmer weather and sunshine.
  3. The architectural design includes a large patio, perfect for dining alfresco with a view of the garden.
  4. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting our natural environment for future generations.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) outdoors
  2. A) in the open air, B) outside, C) outdoors
  3. B) outdoors, C) in natural settings
  4. C) external
  5. C) open-air

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We prefer to do our team-building activities outdoors, not confined within office walls.
  2. To promote physical activity, the city has developed numerous public spaces for outdoor exercise.
  3. The cafe offers a pleasant alfresco area for customers to enjoy their coffee in the fresh air.

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