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

Practice with vocabulary panel

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company assembled a distinguished ____ of experts to provide an independent review of the new security protocols.
  2. The newly installed solar ____ on the roof are expected to significantly reduce our energy consumption.
  3. The marketing ____ decided to launch the new product in the spring.
  4. Please use the interactive ____ to register your attendance and access the presentation materials.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following terms refers to a flat, often rectangular piece, forming a distinct part of a larger surface or structure? a) beam b) panel c) conduit d) frame
  2. In a professional setting, which of these words can describe a group of people chosen to discuss an issue or make a decision? a) audience b) panel c) jury d) committee
  3. Which of these words typically refers to the main display and control unit in a vehicle or aircraft? a) dashboard b) console c) panel d) cockpit
  4. Which word best describes a group of individuals officially appointed to supervise the management of a company or organization? a) panel b) staff c) board d) crew
  5. Which of these can be used to describe the surface where images are projected or displayed, such as in a cinema or on a TV? a) pane b) panel c) screen d) sheet

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. A group of distinguished scientists was invited to share their insights on climate change during the conference. (Rewrite using a form of "panel")
  2. The main display that controls all functions on the machine needs to be replaced. (Rewrite using a form of "panel")
  3. The small, flat sections of metal on the car's body were damaged in the accident. (Rewrite, replacing "sections" with a suitable alternative, but do not use "panel")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. panel
  2. panels
  3. committee
  4. screen

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) panel
  2. b) panel, c) jury, d) committee
  3. a) dashboard, b) console, c) panel
  4. c) board
  5. c) screen

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. A distinguished panel of scientists was invited to share their insights on climate change during the conference.
  2. The main control panel on the machine needs to be replaced.
  3. The small metal plates on the car's body were damaged in the accident. (Alternative: The small metal sheets on the car's body were damaged in the accident.)

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