What is prevent? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of prevent

preventverb

/prɪˈvɛnt/
Definition & pronunciation of prevent

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

1. The Core Sound:

  • "pre-": This part is pronounced like "preh" – similar to the "pre" in "prepare." Think of a quick, short "h" sound.
  • "vent": This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "vent" as in “ventilation”.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: “preh-vent”

3. Emphasis & Breakdown:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable, "preh."
  • Quick Transition: The "h" in "preh" blends quickly into the "vent" sound. Don't pronounce a long pause between the two parts.

Here are a few examples of how it sounds:

Tips for Learners:

  • Focus on the "preh" sound: Really make that short "h" sound.
  • Don't over-articulate: It's a smooth transition, not a break.
  • Practice repeatedly: Say it out loud several times. Record yourself and compare it to a native speaker.

Would you like me to:

  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you some sentences using the word "prevent"?

Usage and examples with the word prevent in English

Let's break down how to use the word "prevent" in English. It's a versatile word with a few slightly different meanings, but the core idea is always about stopping something from happening.

1. Core Meaning: To Stop Something From Happening

This is the most common use. "Prevent" means to stop something from happening or occurring.

  • Example: "We need to prevent flooding by building a dam." (Stopping the flooding)
  • Example: "The new law will prevent people from smoking in public places." (Stopping people from smoking)
  • Example: “Taking precautions will prevent illness.” (Stopping you from getting sick)

2. Using "Prevent" with "From"

Often, "prevent" is followed by the preposition "from." This emphasizes what is being stopped.

  • Example: "The rain prevented us from going to the park." (The rain stopped us from going)
  • Example: “Security measures prevented the thief from stealing the painting.” (Security measures stopped the thief from stealing)

3. Different Forms of the Word

  • Prevented: Past tense – "The storm prevented us from traveling."
  • Prevention: Noun – "Vaccination is a form of prevention." (It's a way to stop something from happening.)
  • Preventative: Adjective – “A preventative measure is a step taken to stop something.” (e.g., "a preventative vaccination")

4. Common Ways to Use "Prevent" in Phrases

  • Prevent a disaster: "Emergency services work to prevent a disaster."
  • Prevent a problem: “The manager tried to prevent a problem from arising.”
  • Prevent someone from doing something: "The security guard prevented him from leaving the building."
  • Preventative care: "Regular check-ups are preventative care." (Taking action to avoid illness or problems)

5. Synonyms for "Prevent"

Here are some words that have a similar meaning to "prevent," depending on the context:

  • Stop
  • Avoid
  • Halt
  • Block
  • Deter
  • Discourage

Let's look at some examples to solidify this:

  • Situation: You're worried about your car breaking down.

    • Using "prevent": "I can prevent my car from breaking down by getting regular maintenance."

  • Situation: You want to avoid getting a cold.

    • Using "prevent": “Washing your hands frequently can prevent colds.”

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

  • What kind of sentence are you trying to write that uses "prevent"? (e.g., a formal email, a casual conversation, a story?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word prevent

Practice with vocabulary prevent

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To ___________ the spread of the virus, health authorities recommended regular handwashing and social distancing.
  2. The new security system is designed to ___________ unauthorized access to sensitive data.
  3. Despite the challenging weather, the team managed to ___________ their mission on schedule.
  4. It is crucial to ___________ early detection to improve treatment outcomes for serious illnesses.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What is the primary goal of fire safety regulations in buildings? a) To enhance aesthetics. b) To prevent the loss of life and property. c) To encourage more construction. d) To generate revenue from fines.

  2. Before the storm, residents were advised to board up windows to: a) decorate their homes. b) prevent damage from flying debris. c) improve ventilation. d) accelerate the storm's passage.

  3. Which of the following strategies can effectively ___________ the escalation of workplace conflicts? (Select all that apply.) a) Ignoring minor disagreements. b) Implementing clear communication protocols. c) Providing conflict resolution training. d) Fostering a culture of open dialogue.

  4. To ensure project success, it is important to ___________ potential risks early. a) ignore b) identify c) intensify d) impede

  5. Regular maintenance helps to ___________ the lifespan of machinery. a) shorten b) extend c) limit d) restrict

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The city government is implementing new policies to stop traffic congestion from getting worse during peak hours. Rewrite using "prevent" or a related word form: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. prevent
  2. prevent
  3. complete (or accomplish / finish)
  4. ensure (or facilitate / promote)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) To prevent the loss of life and property.
  2. b) prevent damage from flying debris.
  3. b) Implementing clear communication protocols. c) Providing conflict resolution training. d) Fostering a culture of open dialogue.
  4. b) identify
  5. b) extend

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The city government is implementing new policies to prevent traffic congestion from worsening during peak hours.
  2. Doctors recommend vaccination to prevent people from catching serious infectious diseases.
  3. We need to find ways to mitigate the impact of climate change on coastal communities.

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