What is overhaul? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of overhaul

overhaulnoun

/ˈəʊvəhɔːl//ˈəʊvərhɔːl/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "overhaul." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is broken into three syllables:

  • OVR - like "over" (as in, "over there")
  • haul - like "bowl" (rhymes with "coal")
  • -al - This is a very short, unstressed syllable, almost like a tiny "uh" sound.

2. Putting it together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: “OHV-er-haul”

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable, "OHV".
  • "haul" is pronounced clearly as "bowl".
  • “-al” is very quick and quiet.

Here's a tip: Think of saying "over bowl" quickly and then adding a tiny "uh" sound at the end.

Resources to listen:

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Usage and examples with the word overhaul in English

Let's break down how to use the word "overhaul" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings, primarily related to repair and major improvement. Here's a breakdown of its usage with examples:

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage): To Thoroughly Repair and Renovate

  • Meaning: To completely examine and repair something, often after it's fallen into disrepair. It's more than just fixing a small problem; it's a major renovation.
  • Focus: Replacing components, fixing major issues, and bringing something back to a good working condition.
  • Examples:
    • "The company decided to overhaul the factory machinery to increase efficiency." (Meaning: Completely repair and update the machinery)
    • "We're planning to overhaul our marketing strategy this year." (Meaning: Rewrite and significantly revise the strategy)
    • "The car needed an overhaul – new tires, brakes, and a tune-up." (Meaning: Extensive repairs and maintenance)
    • "The hospital will overhaul its patient care system." (Meaning: Major changes and improvements to the system)

2. As a Noun: A Complete Examination and Repair

  • Meaning: The act or process of completely repairing and renovating something.
  • Focus: This refers to the event of the thorough repair.
  • Examples:
    • "The overhaul of the engine took several weeks." (Meaning: The entire process of repairing the engine)
    • “The city is investing in the overhaul of its public transportation system.” (Meaning: The plan and work being done to improve the system.)
    • "He underwent a complete overhaul of his life after the accident." (Meaning: Change in lifestyle and how he approached things)

3. (Less Common) As a Verb - To Re-evaluate or Revise (Especially Judgments or Opinions)

  • Meaning: To examine something carefully and fundamentally reconsider or change your opinion about it. This usage is less frequent than the repair meaning.
  • Focus: Changing how you think about something, often after new information or a different perspective.
  • Examples:
    • "The committee ordered an overhaul of its budget proposals.” (Meaning: They reviewed and revised the proposals significantly.)
    • "After the investigation, the police decided to overhaul their procedures." (Meaning: They changed their methods of working).

Key Considerations & Synonyms:

  • Severity: “Overhaul” implies a significant amount of work. If a repair is minor, words like “fix,” “repair,” “service,” or “maintain” are more appropriate.
  • Synonyms:
    • Repair: A general term for fixing something.
    • Renovate: To make something new again, often structurally.
    • Restructure: To change the way something is organized.
    • Revise: To make changes to something (often written or planned).
    • Rebuild: Similar to overhaul, especially for machines or engines.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What are you trying to use "overhaul" in the context of? (e.g., a business, a car, a personal situation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word overhaul

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