What is price? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of price

pricenoun

/prʌɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of price

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "price" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and it's important to know both!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪs/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)
  • How it sounds: "pryce" - like the word "pry" (as in, to pry open a door) followed by "s"
  • Breakdown:
    • /ˈ/: This is the stressed syllable - the part you emphasize.
    • /praɪ/: Say "pry" with a short "i" sound (like in "pit").
    • /s/: A simple "s" sound.

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • Pronunciation: /praɪs/ (IPA – same as above)
  • How it sounds: Again, "pryce" – very similar to the American pronunciation.

Key Differences & Tips:

  • The "i" sound: The crucial difference is the vowel sound in the first syllable. In American English, it's a short "i" sound (as in "pit"). In British English, it’s generally a slightly more open, broader “i” sound.

  • Focus on the Stress: Make sure you emphasize the first syllable.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "price" into Google Translate, select the English language, and click the speaker icon. You'll hear both American and British pronunciations.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/price/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.

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

  • Practice the pronunciation with you?
  • Compare the pronunciation in a specific context (e.g., "the price of the item")

Usage and examples with the word price in English

Let's break down how to use the word "price" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a comprehensive guide:

1. As a Noun (the core meaning - referring to a monetary amount):

  • Basic Price: This is the most common usage - it's the money you pay for something.

    • "The price of bread is $2."
    • "What’s the price of that shirt?"
    • "I paid $50 for the book."

  • Unit Price: This refers to the price for a single unit of something.

    • "The price per pound of apples is $1.50."
    • "This cereal has a low price per ounce."

  • Retail Price: The regular price a store charges.

    • "The item is currently on sale, so the price is reduced."

  • List Price: The original price set by the manufacturer. (Often lower than the retail price).

    • "The list price is $100, but we’re offering a discount."

  • Ticket Price/Admission Price: The cost to enter an event.

    • "The price of the concert ticket is $75."

  • Fixed Price: A price that doesn’t change.

    • “This service comes with a fixed price of $100.”

2. As a Verb (meaning to set or determine the cost):

  • To price something: To decide on the cost of something.

    • “The company will price its new product competitively.”
    • “The auctioneer will price the artwork.”

  • To price something at (a specific amount): To set a specific price.

    • “We’re pricing the new model at $2,000.”
    • “The car was priced at $15,000.”

3. Phrases and Idioms using "Price":

  • At a price: Meaning "for a cost" or "with difficulty."

    • "I’ll do it, but at a price." (I'll do it, but I want something in return.)

  • To price out: To estimate the cost of something. (Often used in budgeting).

    • “Let’s price out the different options for the renovation.”

  • The price is right: (Referring to the game show) – A good, reasonable price.

  • Beyond the price: To go beyond a certain cost, or to overpay.

    • “The service was great, but it was way beyond the price.”

  • Pay the price: To suffer a consequence for something.

    • "You have to pay the price for your mistakes."

  • To put a price on (something): To assign a value or importance to something.

    • "People are willing to put a price on their freedom." (They’re willing to pay for it.)

4. Context Matters:

  • Goods vs. Services: "Price" is most commonly used for tangible goods (like a shirt or a car). For services, you might use phrases like "cost," "fee," or "charge."

  • Negotiation: Prices are often negotiable. "Do you take less?" or "Can you match the price?"

Examples Combining Different Uses:

  • "The retailer priced the new smartphones at $800, but other stores are offering a lower price." (Verb + noun + noun)
  • "The price of gas has gone up significantly this year." (Noun)
  • “I’m willing to pay a higher price for quality.” (Noun)

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about when you want to use "price"? (e.g., shopping, talking about economics, discussing a service, etc.)

Synonyms for the word price

Idioms of the word price

at any price
whatever the cost or the difficulties may be
  • We want peace at any price.
at a price
costing a lot of money
  • You can buy strawberries all year round, but at a price.
  • Food is available, at a price.
involving something unpleasant
  • He'll help you—at a price!
beyond price
(formal or literary)extremely valuable or important
    cheap at the price
    so good or useful that the cost does not seem too much
    • To buy all the recommended equipment is expensive, but as an investment for the future it is cheap at the price.
    everyone has their price
    (saying)you can persuade anyone to do something by giving them more money or something that they want
      not at any price
      used to say that no amount of money would persuade you to do or to sell something
      • I wouldn't work for her again—not at any price!
      pay the/a penalty/price (for something/for doing something)
      to suffer because of bad luck, a mistake or something you have done
      • He looked terrible this morning. I think he's paying the penalty for all those late nights.
      • They're now paying the price for past mistakes.
      • She thinks that any inconvenience is a price worth paying for living in such a beautiful place.
      a price on somebody’s head
      an amount of money that is offered for capturing or killing somebody
      • Ever since he killed the gang’s leader, there has been a price on his head.
      put a price on something
      to say how much money something valuable is worth
      • They haven't yet put a price on the business.
      • You can't put a price on that sort of loyalty.
      • You can't put a price on happiness.
      what price…?
      used to say that you think that something you have achieved may not be worth all the problems and difficulties it causes
      • What price fame and fortune?
      used to say that something seems unlikely
      • What price England winning the World Cup?

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