What is proxy? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of proxy

proxynoun

/ˈprɒksi//ˈprɑːksi/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "proxy." Here's a breakdown and a few options:

Most Common & Generally Accepted Pronunciation:

  • /ˈprɒk.si/ (This is the most widely used pronunciation)

    • ˈprɒk: This part sounds like "prock" – the emphasis is on the first syllable. It's similar to the word "mock" but with a shorter "o" sound.
    • si: This is a very short, quick "s" sound, almost like you're barely saying it.

Alternative Pronunciation (Less Common, but still understood):

  • /ˈprɒks/ (This is a slightly more informal pronunciation)

    • ˈprɒx: Similar to the first pronunciation, but with a slightly shorter "o" sound.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The stress is always on the first syllable ("prock").
  • "S" Sound: The "s" at the end is very brief; don’t really say it distinctly. It’s a very subtle glide.
  • "O" Sound: The "o" in "prock" is a short, open “o” sound, like in "sock" or "box."

Resources to Hear it:

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Usage and examples with the word proxy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "proxy" in English. It has several distinct meanings, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Representative (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: A person authorized to act for another. This is the most frequent use of the word.
  • Example: "The shareholder voted through a proxy ballot, so he didn't have to attend the meeting." (The shareholder used a representative to vote on their behalf.)
  • Example: "The ambassador acted as a proxy for the president during his illness." (The ambassador was standing in for the president.)
  • Key Phrase: "authorized to act for" or "represent"

2. In Computer Networking – A Server Acting as an Intermediary

  • Meaning: A server that forwards requests from clients to other servers. It hides the client’s identity and location.
  • Example: "I use a VPN proxy to protect my privacy online." (The VPN proxy is acting as an intermediary between your device and the website.)
  • Example: “Many websites use proxies to monitor user behavior.” (The websites are using an intermediary server.)
  • Key Phrase: "forward requests," "intermediary server," "VPN proxy"

3. In Politics – A Person Chosen to Vote on Behalf of a Group

  • Meaning: A person elected to represent a group of people, often when those people cannot attend a meeting themselves.
  • Example: "The farmers elected a proxy to attend the agricultural conference." (The farmer sent someone to represent them.)
  • Example: “The union sent a proxy to the negotiation meeting.” (The union sent a representative to vote on their behalf.)
  • Key Phrase: "elected to represent," "attend on behalf of"

4. In Chess – A Stand-In Piece

  • Meaning: A piece used in place of another if that piece is captured or removed from the board.
  • Example: "Because my queen was captured, I had to use a proxy queen." (This is a less common usage.)

Here’s a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Context Example
Representative General "He used a proxy to vote."
Network Proxy Computer Networking "I use a proxy for increased privacy."
Political Proxy Politics "The delegate acted as a proxy."
Chess Proxy Chess "I had to use a proxy queen."

Tips for Using "Proxy" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Always consider the situation to determine the meaning of "proxy."
  • Be specific: If you're talking about computer networking, specify “network proxy” or “VPN proxy.”
  • Synonyms: Depending on the context, you could use synonyms like “representative,” “delegate,” “stand-in,” or “intermediary.”

Could you tell me a little bit more about how you want to use the word "proxy"? For example:

  • Are you trying to understand a particular sentence?
  • Are you writing something and want help with the right usage?
  • Are you just curious about the different meanings?

Synonyms for the word proxy

Practice with vocabulary proxy

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. In the absence of the CEO, the Vice President acted as his legal ___________ for signing the critical contracts.
  2. Many researchers use GDP growth as a ___________ for a country's overall economic health, though it has limitations.
  3. The board appointed an independent financial ___________ to review the company's accounts for transparency.
  4. She was hesitant to commit to such a significant investment without consulting her financial ___________.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following can describe something that acts on behalf of another? a) delegate b) principal c) proxy d) agent

  2. A company implemented a server that mediates requests from clients, enhancing security and caching data. This server is best described as a: a) router b) firewall c) proxy d) switch

  3. In statistics, if variable A is difficult to measure directly, but variable B is closely correlated and easier to measure, then B can serve as a ______ for A. a) hypothesis b) proxy c) constant d) variable

  4. When an official representative is sent to negotiate on behalf of a government, they are acting as its: a) opponent b) ambassador c) adversary d) bystander

  5. The temporary worker filled in for the absent manager, ensuring all operations continued smoothly. The temporary worker was acting as a: a) substitute b) replacement c) supervisor d) trainee

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Due to the complex nature of the negotiations, the board decided to use a third party to represent their interests. (Rewrite the sentence using "proxy".)

  2. The number of social media shares is often seen as an indicator of public engagement with an article. (Rewrite the sentence using "proxy".)

  3. The company assigned a special agent to oversee the confidential deal. (Rewrite the sentence without using "proxy", but use a suitable replacement word.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. proxy
  2. proxy
  3. auditor (or analyst)
  4. advisor (or consultant)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) delegate, c) proxy, d) agent
  2. c) proxy
  3. b) proxy
  4. b) ambassador
  5. a) substitute, b) replacement

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The board decided to use a third-party proxy for their interests due to the complex nature of the negotiations.
  2. The number of social media shares is often seen as a proxy for public engagement with an article.
  3. The company assigned a special representative to oversee the confidential deal.

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