What is pound? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of pound

poundnoun

/paʊnd/
Definition & pronunciation of pound

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

The Correct Pronunciation (General American English):

  • ˈpaʊnd (stress on the first syllable)

Let's break that down further:

  1. "Pa": This sounds like the "pa" in "father" or "past." It's a short, slightly rounded vowel sound.

  2. "ound": This is where it gets tricky. Don't say "own" like in "own home." Instead, it's a quick, almost clipped "ound" sound. Think of the beginning of the word "around." It's a short, unstressed vowel.

Key Points & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "pount": This is the most common mistake.
  • Don't emphasize the "u": The "u" is silent.
  • It's not like "pound" as in physical force: The pronunciation of the word is distinct from the action of "pounding."

Resources to Hear It:

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  • What kind of English are you interested in (e.g., General American, British English)? (While the above is generally accurate for American English, British English has a slightly different pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word pound in English

Let's break down how to use the word "pound" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Action - to strike with force)

  • Basic Meaning: To strike repeatedly and forcefully with a fist or something heavy.

    • Example: “He pounded on the door until someone answered.”
    • Example: “The boxer pounded his opponent relentlessly.”

  • Figurative Meaning (to nag or press): To repeatedly demand or request something.

    • Example: "She was pounding him to explain where he’d been."
    • Example: "The company is pounding suppliers for lower prices."

  • To Process Food (Often with a machine): To crush or grind food into small pieces.

    • Example: “The chef pounded the garlic and ginger into a paste.”
    • Example: “We pound spices in a mortar and pestle.”

2. As a Noun (Object - a unit of weight)

  • Weight Unit: One pound is a unit of weight, equal to approximately 0.4535 kilograms.

    • Example: “The bag weighs five pounds.”
    • Example: “I need to buy a pound of apples.”

  • Part of a Musical Instrument (Drum): A drum or percussion instrument.

    • Example: “The drummer pounded out a driving beat.”

3. As a Verb (Idiomatic Expressions)

  • “To pound the pavement”: To walk a lot, often looking for a job or a lost person.

    • Example: "He spent the whole day pounding the pavement looking for leads."

  • “To pound your chest”: To boast or brag loudly, often in a showy way.

    • Example: “Stop pounding your chest about your success; it’s not impressive.”

  • “To pound your head”: To be extremely frustrated and worried. (Often figuratively - you're not literally pounding your head)

    • Example: “I’ve been pounding my head trying to solve this problem.”

  • “Pound for pound”: Meaning a comparison of value or strength, where everything is considered equally. Often used in sports.

    • Example: “Muhammad Ali was considered the greatest pound for pound fighter of all time.”

Tips for Understanding & Using "Pound"

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "pound" changes dramatically based on how it’s used in a sentence. Pay close attention to the surrounding words.
  • Consider the Tone: The figurative uses (nagging, boasting) often have a slightly negative or forceful tone.
  • Don't Overuse: While versatile, it’s a somewhat strong word. Use it deliberately.

Resources for More Information

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  • Are you struggling with a particular usage of "pound"?
  • Could you give me an example sentence you're unsure about?

Synonyms for the word pound

Idioms of the word pound

in for a penny, in for a pound
(saying)used to say that since you have started to do something, it is worth spending as much time or money as you need to in order to complete it
    an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure
    (saying)it is better to stop something bad from happening rather than try to deal with the problems after it has happened
      (have, get, want, etc.) your pound of flesh
      the full amount that somebody owes you, even if this will cause them trouble or difficulty
      • You’re determined to have your pound of flesh, aren’t you?

      Practice with vocabulary pound

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. The new engine component, made from a high-density alloy, added an extra ten ______ to the vehicle's total weight.
      2. The central bank announced a significant interest rate hike for the British ______.
      3. After the unexpected market downturn, the CEO had to ______ out a difficult recovery plan.
      4. The unexpected regulatory changes could ______ the company's expansion plans.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. Which of the following can represent a unit of currency or a unit of weight? a) Ounce b) Euro c) Pound d) Dollar

      2. When you need to finely crush ingredients or forcefully strike something, which word could apply? a) Grind b) Tap c) Pound d) Pulverize

      3. The new marketing campaign is expected to have a significant ______ on consumer purchasing habits. a) Influence b) Outcome c) Leverage d) Effect

      4. Which verbs describe a strong, rhythmic beat, often referring to a heart or a drum? a) Thump b) Flicker c) Pound d) Pulsate

      5. To discourage or prevent an action through fear or doubt is to ______ it. a) Incite b) Deter c) Obstruct d) Encourage

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: The project budget was set at approximately one thousand British currency units. Rewrite:

      2. Original: The construction workers needed to hit the metal stakes repeatedly into the ground to secure the fence. Rewrite:

      3. Original: The committee struggled to deal with the complex issue of climate change. Rewrite:

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. pound
      2. pound
      3. hammer
      4. impede

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. a) Ounce, c) Pound, d) Dollar
      2. a) Grind, c) Pound, d) Pulverize
      3. a) Influence, b) Outcome, d) Effect
      4. a) Thump, c) Pound, d) Pulsate
      5. b) Deter, c) Obstruct

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. The project budget was set at approximately one thousand British pounds.
      2. The construction workers had to pound the metal stakes into the ground to secure the fence.
      3. The committee struggled to grapple with the complex issue of climate change.

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