What is print? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of print

printverb

/prɪnt/
Definition & pronunciation of print

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

The Correct Pronunciation:

  • ˈprɪnt (rhymes with "pint")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈprɪn - This is the core of the word.
    • pr - Like the "pr" in "pray"
    • ɪn - This is a short "i" sound, like the "i" in "bit." It's a quick, short vowel.
  • t - A simple, soft "t" sound.

Key things to note:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("pr"). This is what makes it sound like "pint."
  • Short "i" sound: Don't say "prin" – that’s a common mistake. The "i" is short.

Resources to help you:

  • Google: Simply search "how to pronounce print" on Google and you'll find audio examples from native speakers.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/print/ - This website lets you hear pronunciations from various dialects.
  • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce print” on YouTube for video tutorials – many people demonstrate the correct pronunciation visually and audibly.

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

  • Are you learning American English or British English? (The pronunciation can have slight variations.)

Usage and examples with the word print in English

Let's break down how to use the word "print" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses! Here's a detailed breakdown:

1. Printing Physical Documents (Most Common)

  • Definition: To create a physical copy of something on paper, using a printer.
  • Example: "I need to print out this report for my boss."
  • Phrases:
    • Print a document: The standard way to say you're using a printer.
    • Print two copies: "Can you print two copies of the invitation, please?"
    • Print on both sides: "Please print on both sides of the paper."
    • Print quality: “The print quality isn’t very good.”

2. Outputting Information (Computer/Digital)

  • Definition: To display information on a screen or output it in a digital format. This is how it's used in programming and technology.
  • Example (Programming): "The program prints the result to the console."
  • Example (General): "The website prints a confirmation message after you submit the form."
  • Phrases:
    • Print statement: (Programming) A command that displays information.
    • Print output: The information that's being displayed or generated.
    • Print log: A record of an application's activity.

3. Expressing an Opinion or Announcement (Formal/Literary)

  • Definition: To state something clearly and formally. Often used in speeches, announcements, or formal writing.
  • Example: “The committee printed their decision earlier today.” (Meaning: announced their decision)
  • Example: "She printed her support for the new policy." (Meaning: clearly stated her support)
  • Note: This usage is less common in everyday conversation.

4. To Mark or Indicate (Less Common)

  • Definition: To make a mark or to show something is present.
  • Example: "He printed his name on the form." (Meaning: wrote his name)
  • Example: “The ink printed onto the fabric.” (Meaning: the ink left a mark). This is more about the action of the ink transferring.

5. To Produce (Less Common, often with specific materials)

  • Definition: To manufacture something, often relating to textiles or materials.
  • Example: “The factory prints cloth.” (Meaning: produces fabric)

Here’s a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Example Context
Physical Printing “I’m going to print this photo.” Everyday, Office
Digital Output “The program prints the error message.” Computer Programming
Formal Announcement “The city printed a new ordinance.” Formal Writing, News
Marking/Indicating “He printed his address on the card.” Simple action, Writing
Production (Materials) “The mill prints denim.” Textile Industry

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "print"? (e.g., are you writing a program, using a printer, or just talking about general information?)

Synonyms for the word print

Practice with vocabulary print

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Could you please ______ the quarterly report for the upcoming board meeting?
  2. The research findings will be ______ in a prestigious academic journal next month.
  3. Our team needs to update the company's official letterhead and all other corporate ______ materials.
  4. All critical data should be clearly ______ on the main screen during the presentation, not just verbally mentioned.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Before the conference, we need to ______ copies of the agenda for all attendees. A) email B) print C) publish D) display
  2. The small ______ on the legal contract made it difficult to read without glasses. A) font B) print C) character D) mark
  3. Please remember to ______ your expense reports by the end of the week for processing. A) send B) submit C) copy D) circulate
  4. The architect requested a large-scale ______ of the building plans for the client review. A) draft B) diagram C) print D) render
  5. The marketing team decided to ______ the new product launch details on all social media platforms. A) publicize B) distribute C) publish D) circulate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The department decided to produce physical documents detailing the new policy. (Rewrite using "print" or a related word form.)
  2. Ensure that the machine used for producing hard copies is functioning correctly before the deadline. (Rewrite using "print" or a related word form.)
  3. We need to make this critical information visible to everyone on the main screen during the briefing. (Rewrite the sentence without using "print" or any related word forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. print
  2. published
  3. printing
  4. displayed

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) print
  2. B) print
  3. A) send, B) submit
  4. C) print
  5. A) publicize, C) publish

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The department decided to print documents detailing the new policy.
  2. Ensure that the printer is functioning correctly for producing hard copies before the deadline.
  3. We need to display this critical information to everyone on the main screen during the briefing.

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