What is pitch? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of pitch

pitchnoun

/pɪtʃ/
Definition & pronunciation of pitch

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "pitch" in English. It's a tricky one because it’s often mispronounced! Here’s a breakdown:

The Correct Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈpɪtʃ (rhymes with "itch" or "switch")

    • ˈpɪt – This part sounds like the short "i" as in "bit".
    • -ch – This is a voiceless affricate sound, similar to the "ch" in "church" or “chair”. It’s a quick, sharp sound.

The Correct Pronunciation (British English):

  • pɪtʃ (rhymes with "fish")

    • Similar to the American pronunciation but the 'ch' sound is much softer and less emphasized. It's more like a quick 'sh' sound.

Here’s a helpful breakdown to mimic the sounds:

  1. Start with the "i" sound: Make a short “i” sound like in the word “bit”.
  2. Add the “ch” sound: This is the tricky part. It's a quick, breathy “ch” sound, almost like you're clearing your throat slightly. Don’t overdo it – a short, sharp sound is best. Think of the "ch" in “church” but much quicker.

Resources to Listen:

Tips for Practice:

  • Say it with a word: Practice saying "pitch" with words like "pitcher", "pitching", or "pitchfork".
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "pitch" and compare it to the pronunciation in the online dictionaries.
  • Focus on the "ch" sound: This is the key to getting it right.

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

  • Are you aiming for American English pronunciation, or British English?

Usage and examples with the word pitch in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pitch" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by its common uses:

1. Pitch (as in the angle of a roof or slope):

  • Definition: This is the most literal meaning – the angle or incline of a surface.
  • Example: “The roof of the house has a steep pitch.” “We need to adjust the pitch of the tent to avoid the rain.”

2. Pitch (as in to present an idea or proposal):

  • Definition: To present a plan, idea, or project to someone, usually with the goal of getting them to invest in it or approve it. This is the most common use you'll hear.
  • Example: “I’m going to pitch my new app idea to investors next week.” “The sales team needs to pitch their product effectively to potential clients.” “She gave a compelling pitch for the movie.”
  • Related words: pitch deck, elevator pitch (a very short, concise pitch).

3. Pitch (as in the sound of a voice – high or low):

  • Definition: Refers to the highness or lowness of a sound or voice.
  • Example: "She has a beautiful, clear pitch." "The singer's pitch was slightly off during the high notes." "The computer's pitch shifted when the volume was increased."

4. Pitch (as in to throw a ball):

  • Definition: To deliver a ball, typically in sports like baseball, softball, or cricket.
  • Example: “The pitcher started his windup and began to pitch the ball.” “He had a powerful pitch that was difficult to hit.”

5. Pitch (as in to attract; to try to win someone over):

  • Definition: To attempt to persuade someone, often involving a flirtatious or seductive approach. This usage is less common and can be seen as slightly informal or even a bit dated.
  • Example: “He was trying to pitch her the idea that they were meant to be together.” (This can sound a little cliché.)

Here’s a breakdown of some common phrases using “pitch”:

  • Elevator pitch: A very brief (usually 30-60 second) overview of an idea or product, designed to be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator.
  • Pitch deck: A visual presentation (usually PowerPoint) used to support a pitch.
  • To pitch in: To contribute to a group effort; to help out. ("Let's all pitch in and clean up the room.")
  • To pitch something against something: (Sports) To throw or launch something toward a target.
  • To pitch a story: To submit a story idea to a publisher or agent.

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What context are you encountering the word "pitch" in? (e.g., a business meeting, a sports game, a conversation about music?)

Synonyms for the word pitch

Idioms of the word pitch

make a pitch for somebody/something | make a pitch to somebody
to make a determined effort to get something or to persuade somebody of something
  • He made a pitch to black voters in Alabama.
queer somebody’s pitch | queer the pitch (for somebody)
(British English, informal)to cause somebody’s plans to fail or to destroy their chances of getting something

    Practice with vocabulary pitch

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The startup founder delivered an impressive sales _____ to secure the initial round of funding.
    2. During the recording session, the sound engineer adjusted the _____ of the singer's voice to achieve the desired effect.
    3. The marketing department created a detailed _____ outlining the campaign strategy for the new product launch.
    4. Due to the tight deadline, the team had to _____ their work on the critical components to meet the client's expectations.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which term describes a concise and persuasive presentation aimed at securing an agreement or investment? a) a seminar b) a pitch c) a brief d) a proposal

    2. When discussing the highness or lowness of a musical note, which property are you referring to? a) amplitude b) timbre c) pitch d) rhythm

    3. To quickly introduce or suggest an idea to a group for initial feedback, you might: a) table an idea b) pitch an idea c) float an idea d) suppress an idea

    4. Which of the following words denotes a formal statement of aims and objectives, especially from a political party or organization? a) a manifesto b) a treatise c) an edict d) an anthology

    5. What word describes the general attitude, feeling, or atmosphere of a place, situation, or piece of writing? a) scope b) cadence c) vibe d) tone

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The startup founder delivered an impressive presentation to secure the initial round of funding. (Rewrite to use "pitch")
    2. It's crucial for public speakers to control the highness and lowness of their voice to maintain audience engagement. (Rewrite to use "pitch")
    3. The board decided to temporarily halt the new expansion project until market conditions improve. (Rewrite to use a suitable replacement for "halt")

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. pitch
    2. pitch
    3. proposal
    4. expedite

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) a pitch, d) a proposal
    2. c) pitch
    3. b) pitch an idea, c) float an idea
    4. a) a manifesto
    5. d) tone

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The startup founder delivered an impressive pitch to secure the initial round of funding.
    2. It's crucial for public speakers to control their vocal pitch to maintain audience engagement.
    3. The board decided to temporarily postpone the new expansion project until market conditions improve.

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