What is panel? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of panel

panelnoun

/ˈpanl/
Definition & pronunciation of panel

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "panel" in English. Here's a breakdown with different approaches:

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation:

  • ˈpæn(ə)l (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)
    • ˈpæn: This part sounds like "pan" – as in the bread. The stress is on this first syllable.
    • ə: This is a schwa sound – a very weak, unstressed vowel. It's similar to the “a” in “about” or “so.” It's very subtle.
    • l: This is a standard "l" sound.

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • ˈpæn(ə)l (IPA - same as above) – The British pronunciation is virtually identical to the American.

3. Breaking it Down Phonetically (Without IPA):

  • Pan-el (Think of saying "pan" followed immediately by "el")
  • The “a” in “pan” is a short “a” sound, like in “cat.”
  • The “el” is a very short and unstressed “l” sound.

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable ("pan"). This is the most important thing.
  • Schwa Sound: Don't try to pronounce a "ah" sound on the second syllable. The "ə" is a very quiet, relaxed vowel. It’s almost like you're swallowing the sound slightly.
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google: Search on Google for "how to pronounce panel" – you’ll get audio clips.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%C3%87anel/ This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce panel" on YouTube – you'll find many videos.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation?
  • Give you more examples of words that use the same sounds?

Usage and examples with the word panel in English

The word "panel" has a surprisingly wide range of meanings! Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. Physical Panels (Physical Structures):

  • A flat, rectangular surface: This is the most common definition. Think of a door panel, a wall panel, a dashboard panel in a car.

    • Example: “The new car has a wood-paneled interior.”
    • Example: “He replaced the damaged door panel.”

  • A section of a wall or roof: Similar to above, often used to describe decorative or structural elements.

    • Example: “The artist painted a colorful panel on the wall.”

  • A seat in an aircraft or train:

    • Example: “We were seated in the back panel of the plane.”

2. Groups of People (Boards or Committees):

  • A group of experts or officials: This is a very common usage. It refers to a committee or board.
    • Example: “The committee was formed to review the proposed budget. It’s a diverse panel of economists and accountants.”
    • Example: “She was invited to speak at a cybersecurity panel.”
    • Example: “The regulatory panel will decide whether to approve the new drug.”

3. Parts/Components (Especially in Technology):

  • A section of a circuit board: In electronics, a panel refers to a group of components connected on a board.

    • Example: “The computer’s graphics panel allows you to adjust the resolution.”

  • A screen (on a device): Common with computers and phones.

    • Example: “He was staring at the touch panel of his smartphone.”

4. Figurative/Idiomatic Usage:

  • A system or process: Sometimes used metaphorically to describe a system or method.

    • Example: “The panel of judges evaluated the entries meticulously.” (Referring to the system of judging)

  • A section of something (often awkwardly, but can be acceptable):

    • Example: "The side panel of the drawer came off." (While "hinge" might be better, "panel" is not incorrect.)

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right usage:

  • If you’re talking about a physical object with a flat surface: Use “panel.”
  • If you're talking about a group of people: Use “panel.”
  • If you’re talking about a component in technology: Use “panel.”

Resources for More Examples:

To help me provide a more tailored response, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you planning to use the word "panel"? (e.g., describing a car, talking about a meeting, discussing technology?)

Synonyms for the word panel

Comment ()