What is portion? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of portion

portionnoun

/ˈpɔːʃn//ˈpɔːrʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "portion" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic symbols and a more descriptive explanation:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈpɔːrtʃən/

Breaking it down:

  • ˈpɔːrtʃən: The stress is on the first syllable ("port").
  • pɔː: This is where most people stumble. It’s a diphthong – a glide from one vowel sound to another.
    • p – pronounce as in "pen"
    • ɔː – This is a long "aw" sound, like in “law” or “caught.” Think of it as a wider, more open sound in your mouth. It's a key part of the correct pronunciation.
  • tʃən: This part is fairly straightforward:
    • tʃ – This is the "ch" sound as in “church” or “chair”.
    • ən – This is a very short, unstressed "un" sound, like in “fun.”

How to say it (step-by-step):

  1. Start with a "p" sound: like in "pen."
  2. Slide smoothly into the “aw” sound: Make that wider "aw" sound – like in “law.” Hold it slightly longer than you might think. This is the trickiest part for many learners.
  3. Add a "t" sound: Like in “top.”
  4. Say "ch" like in "church."
  5. End with a very quick, short “un” sound: Like in "fun."

Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "port-ion": This is a very common mistake. The initial sound isn't "port."
  • Don't rush the "aw" sound: Spend a little extra time on that vowel sound to make it clear and distinct.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to improve is to hear how native English speakers pronounce it. You can find audio recordings online (YouTube, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, etc.).

Resources for Listening:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, would you like me to:

  • Record myself saying the word?
  • Focus on a specific part of the pronunciation you're struggling with?

Usage and examples with the word portion in English

Let's break down how to use the word "portion" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here’s a breakdown of its common uses:

1. A Measured Amount of Food (Most Common)

  • Definition: This is the most frequent use. A portion refers to a specific, usually measured, amount of food you eat.
  • Examples:
    • "I had a large portion of pasta for dinner." (Meaning: a generous amount)
    • "The waitress brought me a small portion of salad." (Meaning: a limited amount)
    • “They serve generous portions here.” (Meaning: large servings)
    • “It’s important to eat healthy portions.” (Meaning: controlling the amount of food you eat)

2. A Part or Section of Something Larger

  • Definition: “Portion” can mean a part or section of a whole – it's a piece of something that’s been divided.
  • Examples:
    • “I only took a small portion of the cake.” (Meaning: a slice or piece)
    • “This bookshelf needs a new portion of shelving.” (Meaning: a segment or section of shelving)
    • “The town is divided into six portions." (Meaning: smaller areas)
    • "He gave me a portion of his story." (Meaning: a part of his narrative)

3. A Share or Allowance (Often in a More Formal Context)

  • Definition: This refers to a defined amount of something given or allocated.
  • Examples:
    • “Each employee receives a fixed portion of the profits.” (Meaning: a share)
    • "The judge gave him a smaller portion of the sentence." (Meaning: a smaller amount of punishment)
    • “She received a generous portion of the inheritance.” (Meaning: a significant share)

4. (Medical/Pharmaceutical) A Dose

  • Definition: Specifically in medicine, a portion refers to a measured amount of medication.
  • Example: “The doctor prescribed him a daily portion of antibiotics.”

Key Nuances & Tips:

  • Size Matters: "Portion" often implies a specific size or quantity. It’s more precise than saying "amount" or "piece."
  • Context is Crucial: As you can see, "portion" can mean very different things, so pay close attention to the surrounding words and sentences.

Let’s look at some examples that combine different uses:

  • “I asked for a smaller portion of potatoes because I was already full.” (Food – limited amount)
  • “The artist carefully painted a detailed portion of the landscape.” (Part of a larger whole)
  • “He received a portion of the award money.” (Share)

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of sentence are you trying to use "portion" in? (e.g., about food, a description, something else?)

Synonyms for the word portion

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