What is pester? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of pester

pesterverb

/ˈpestə(r)//ˈpestər/

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

1. The Sounds:

  • "Pest": This part is straightforward. Say "pest" as you would the word "test" but with a "p" sound at the beginning. (Pest = p-est)
  • "er": This is the tricky part. It's a short, unstressed "er" sound, almost like the "er" in "her" but much shorter and softer. It's not pronounced like "air" or "near."

2. Putting it Together – The Most Common Pronunciation:

The most common way to pronounce "pester" is:

ˈpɛstər

Let's break that down visually:

  • ˈ - This symbol (called an ‘acute accent’) indicates that the first syllable is stressed (emphasized).
  • p - As in "pen"
  • ə - This is a schwa sound – a very short, relaxed "uh" sound. Think of how you say "about" or "common." It's the unstressed vowel sound.
  • st - As in "stop"
  • ər - The short, soft "er" sound (like in "her" but shorter).

3. Example of how it sounds (using phonetic symbols):

ˈpest-ər (Stress on the first syllable)

4. Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "er": This is the biggest mistake people make. It should be very quick and light.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to hear it is to listen to native speakers pronounce it. Here are some resources:

5. Less Common, But Still Valid Pronunciation:

You might occasionally hear a pronunciation with a slightly longer "er" sound, like "pest-er," but the shorter, unstressed version above is overwhelmingly the most common.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation aloud?
  • Give you a different example word to practice with to help you hear the schwa sound?

Usage and examples with the word pester in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pester" in English. It's a great word with a specific nuance!

1. Core Meaning: To Repeatedly Annoy

At its most basic, "pester" means to persistently bother or annoy someone, usually repeatedly. It implies a level of insistence that’s a bit irritating. It's more than just asking nicely; it’s a persistent, sometimes irritating, request.

2. Different Forms and Usage:

  • Pester (Verb - Present Tense): This is the most common form.

    • Example: "My little brother keeps pestering me to play with him."
    • Example: "Don't pester the police officer; he's busy."

  • Pestered (Past Participle): Used with auxiliary verbs (like "have," "was," "were").

    • Example: "I had been pestered for weeks to finish the project."
    • Example: "She was pestered by the demanding crowd."

  • Pestering (Present Participle/Adjective): Can be used as an adjective to describe the action of pestering.

    • Example: "The pestering of the children was driving his wife crazy."
    • Example: "He had a pestering habit of asking for money."

3. Different Contexts & Shades of Meaning:

  • Children & Pets: “Pester” is strongly associated with children and pets. A child relentlessly asking for a toy, or a dog repeatedly begging for food, are good examples.

    • Example: "The puppy was pestering for a treat."

  • Adults - More Negative Connotation: While used with adults, "pester" often carries a slightly more negative connotation than simply "bother" or "nag." It suggests a more persistent and potentially unwelcome annoyance. It can sometimes imply a lack of respect for boundaries.

  • Persistent Requests (Sometimes): It can be used for persistent requests for information, but this is less common and depends heavily on tone.

    • Example: "I was constantly pestered with questions about the trip." (This implies the questions were unwelcome and excessive.)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Bother
  • Nag
  • Harass
  • Trouble
  • Repeatedly ask/request
  • Incessantly demand

5. How to Avoid Misusing It:

  • Consider the Tone: "Bother" or "nag" might be more appropriate if you want to simply describe repeated requests without a strong sense of irritation. “Pester” suggests a certain level of annoyance.

  • Think about the Intensity: "Bother" is lighter; “pester” is heavier.

Examples to Illustrate Different Uses:

  • "My daughter pestered me all afternoon to take her to the park." (Typical child behavior)
  • "The reporter was pestered by the CEO for answers about the scandal." (More serious, potentially unwelcome requests).
  • “I had been pestered by my friends to go to the concert." (Past tense, emphasizing a continuous effort to convince).

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

  • What kind of situation are you thinking of using "pester" in? (e.g., describing a child, a work colleague, a persistent bug in software?)

Synonyms for the word pester

Practice with vocabulary pester

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. My nephew would continuously ______ his parents for a new video game, sending them daily links and reviews until they finally relented.
  2. The journalist's persistent questions began to ______ the politician during the press conference, making him visibly uncomfortable.
  3. The company decided to ______ its current data security protocols following the recent cyber-attack.
  4. After several attempts, she managed to ______ her colleagues into joining the volunteer project for the weekend.

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

  1. Which word best describes the action of a child constantly asking for a sugary treat until their parent gives in? a) flatter b) pester c) commend d) advise

  2. A telemarketer who calls you daily, despite your requests to be removed from their list, would likely be described as trying to: a) pacify b) pester c) annoy d) bother

  3. To exert strong, often repeated, pressure on someone to do something, especially by asking them many questions or making many requests, can be described as: a) inquire b) badger c) pester d) dismiss

  4. The CEO tried to ______ the board members that the new market strategy was sound and would yield significant profits. a) coerce b) dissuade c) convince d) warn

  5. After collecting enough signatures, the community group decided to ______ the city council to reconsider the proposed zoning changes. a) demand b) petition c) query d) oppose

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The persistent sales calls from the telecom company were becoming quite irritating.
    • Rewrite using "pester."
  2. My little sister kept asking me repeatedly for a ride to the concert until I finally agreed.
    • Rewrite using "pester."
  3. The committee members strongly recommended that the new budget proposal be approved without delay.
    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "strongly recommended" (do not use "pester").

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. pester
  2. pester
  3. revise (or update/strengthen)
  4. persuade (or convince)

Exercise 2:

  1. b) pester
  2. b) pester, c) annoy, d) bother
  3. b) badger, c) pester
  4. c) convince
  5. b) petition

Exercise 3:

  1. The telecom company's persistent sales calls began to pester me. (or I was constantly pestered by the telecom company's sales calls.)
  2. My little sister continued to pester me for a ride to the concert until I finally agreed.
  3. The committee members urged that the new budget proposal be approved without delay. (or The committee members advocated for the immediate approval of the new budget proposal.)

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