What is population? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of population

populationnoun

/ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of population

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

1. The Basic Sound:

  • po- - Like the word "poppy" (short 'o' sound)
  • pu- - Like "puppy" (again, short 'u' sound)
  • la- - Like "la-di-da" (open 'a' sound, like in "father")
  • tion - This is the tricky part. It's pronounced like "shun" (rhymes with "sun").

2. Putting it Together:

So, you'd say it like: po-pu-la-shun

3. Emphasis:

The emphasis (where you put the most force) is on the second syllable: "po-pu-la-shun".

4. Recordings to Help:

Tips for remembering:

  • Break it down: Don't try to say the whole word at once. Practice each syllable separately first.
  • Listen carefully: Pay attention to how native speakers pronounce it.
  • Exaggerate: When you're first learning, it can help to slightly exaggerate the sounds to really get a feel for them.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Offer a mnemonic device to help you remember?

Usage and examples with the word population in English

Let's break down how to use the word "population" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different applications. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. Basic Definition: The Number of People

  • Core Meaning: "Population" most commonly refers to the total number of people living in a particular place.
    • Example: "The population of London is over 8 million."
    • Example: "Scientists are studying the population growth of the Amazon rainforest."

2. Different Scales – Clearly Define the Area

  • Country/Region: (Most common usage) – “The population of the United States…”
  • City/Town: “The population of Springfield is relatively small.”
  • State/Province: “The population of California is the largest in the United States.”
  • Microscope/Small Area: “The population of bacteria in this petri dish is increasing rapidly.”
  • Animal/Insect Group: "The population of deer in the park has been declining due to hunting."

3. Usage in Statistics & Demographics

  • Demographic Data: "Population statistics can reveal important information about age distribution, income levels, and education levels."
  • Growth Rate: "The population growth rate in that region is very high.”
  • Density: "Population density measures the number of people per square mile.” (Density = Population / Area)
  • Age Structure: "The population is aging, with a larger proportion of older adults.”

4. More Figurative/Abstract Uses (Less Common)

  • Group of Things: Sometimes "population" is used more generally to refer to a collection of anything, not just people.
    • Example: "The population of fish in the lake is healthy.” (referring to fish)
    • Example: "The population of cars on the highway was heavy during rush hour.” (referring to cars)

5. Common Phrases Using "Population"

  • Population growth: The increase in the number of people in a population.
  • Population decline: The decrease in the number of people in a population.
  • Population density: How many people live in a specific area.
  • Target population: The group you’re studying or researching (e.g., “The target population for this survey is adults aged 18-35”).
  • Total population: The complete number of people.

Tips for Using "Population" Correctly:

  • Be Specific: Always clarify what population you’re talking about. Is it people, animals, bacteria, etc.?
  • Context is Key: The meaning of "population" can shift slightly based on the context of the sentence.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “residents,” “inhabitants,” or “people” for clarity in some cases.

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context? (e.g., using it in a sentence about economics, ecology, or social science?)
  • Explain how "population" relates to other demographics terms (like "census," "birth rate," "death rate")?

Synonyms for the word population

Practice with vocabulary population

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The global ________ is projected to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050, posing significant challenges for resource management.
  2. Urban areas often exhibit high housing ________ due to limited space and high demand.
  3. A recent study found that the aging ________ in many developed countries is putting a strain on social security systems.
  4. Local authorities are seeking feedback from ________ regarding the proposed urban development plan.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which term refers to all the people living in a particular country, area, or region? A) Society B) Community C) Population D) Demography

  2. When discussing a subset of a larger group for research purposes, which term is most appropriate? (Select all that apply) A) Sample group B) Target population C) Demographic segment D) Inhabitant pool

  3. Researchers are studying the impact of climate change on the local bird ________. They are particularly interested in its nesting habits and migration patterns. A) species B) community C) population D) habitat

  4. The study of human ________ involves analyzing data on birth rates, death rates, and migration patterns to understand societal trends. A) economics B) demographics C) politics D) geography

  5. The sudden influx of new ________ has led to increased demand for housing and public services in the city. (Select all that apply) A) visitors B) dwellers C) residents D) tourists

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The number of people living in the capital city has risen sharply over the last decade. Rewrite using "population" or a related word form:

  2. Original: Many species are facing extinction due to habitat loss and environmental degradation. Rewrite using "population" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The total number of individuals residing in the remote village is quite small, making it difficult to maintain local services. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word instead of "population":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. population
  2. density
  3. population
  4. residents

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) Population
  2. B) Target population, C) Demographic segment
  3. C) population
  4. B) demographics
  5. B) dwellers, C) residents

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The capital city's population has risen sharply over the last decade.
  2. Habitat loss and environmental degradation are severely impacting the populations of many species, pushing them towards extinction.
  3. The total number of inhabitants in the remote village is quite small, making it difficult to maintain local services.

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