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

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