What is rain? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of rain

rainnoun/verb

/reɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of rain

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

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • /reɪn/ (Rhymes with "hayn" or "pain")

Here's a more detailed explanation:

  1. "R" sound: In American English, the "r" is a tap or flap - meaning it's a very quick, light tap of the tongue against the roof of your mouth. It’s not a strong, rolled "r" like you hear in Spanish or Italian. It's almost a silent "r" that's just there.

  2. "ai" diphthong: This is the key part! It’s a two-part sound that doesn't exist in many other languages:

    • "a" sound: Like the "a" in "father" or "cake." (short "a")
    • "i" sound: Like the "ee" in "see" or "beat." (long "ee")

    You blend these two sounds together smoothly. Try saying "a" quickly and almost immediately followed by "ee."

Tips for practicing:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:

  • Break it down: Practice saying the "a" and "i" sounds separately, then try blending them.

  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying "rain" and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

  • Focus on the flow: It’s not about perfectly separating the sounds; it’s about a smooth blend.

Regional Variations:

  • British English: In British English, the pronunciation is often closer to /reɪn/ (rhymes with "pain") - slightly less tap-like.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Help you practice saying "rain" with a recording?

Usage and examples with the word rain in English

Let's break down how to use the word "rain" in English. It's a very common word with a lot of different ways to use it!

1. Basic Definition:

  • Rain is water falling from the sky in drops. It's a meteorological phenomenon.

2. Simple Sentences:

  • It is raining. (Present continuous - describes what's happening now)
  • The rain is falling. (Similar to above)
  • It rained yesterday. (Past tense - describes something that happened)
  • It rained a lot last night. (Describes the amount of rain)

3. Using "Rain" as a Noun:

  • I like to watch the rain. (A general enjoyment of the rain)
  • We need a raincoat. (Referring to the rain itself - you need protection)
  • The rain caused flooding. (Rain is the agent of the flooding)
  • The rain is good for the crops. (Rain is beneficial)
  • He collected rainwater. (He gathered the rainwater)

4. Phrases with "Rain":

  • Rain or shine: (No matter the weather - “We’re going to the park rain or shine.”)
  • Come rain or shine: (Similar to above - “I’ll be there come rain or shine.”)
  • A rainy day: (Describes a day with rain)
  • Rainy season: (A period of time when it rains a lot)
  • Rainy weather: (General condition of rainy weather)
  • Under the rain: (Someone is standing in the rain)
  • In the rain: (Similar to above)
  • A shower of rain: (A brief, light rain)
  • A downpour: (A heavy, intense rain)
  • The rain stopped. (Describes the cessation of rain)

5. Figurative Language (Using "Rain" metaphorically):

  • "It’s raining cats and dogs." (This is an idiom meaning it is raining very heavily.)
  • "Tears of rain." (Referring to tears that resemble raindrops)
  • “He was drowning in rain of criticism.” (He was overwhelmed with negative feedback.) – This uses rain as a metaphor for bad things.

6. Grammatical Points:

  • Singular vs. Plural: "Rain" is generally treated as a singular noun. You usually say "a rain," not "the rains." However, "rains" is the plural form and is used when referring to multiple instances of rain (e.g., "The different types of rains in the rainforest").

  • Verb Form: "Rain" can be a verb. As we've seen, it means "to fall (as rain)." Example: “It was raining heavily.”

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What are you trying to do with the word "rain"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, understand a text?)

Synonyms for the word rain

Idioms of the word rain

come rain, come shine | (come) rain or shine
whether there is rain or sun; whatever happens
  • He goes jogging every morning, rain or shine.
  • We work outside every day, rain or shine.
(as) right as rain
(informal)in excellent health or condition

    Practice with vocabulary rain

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The unexpected ________ forced us to seek immediate shelter, disrupting our outdoor plans.
    2. Farmers are hoping for significant ________ to ensure a good harvest this year, as the fields are currently very dry.
    3. Forecasts indicate that heavy ________ is expected throughout the weekend, potentially affecting outdoor events and travel.
    4. Please remember to close the windows securely before you leave; it might ________ later this afternoon, according to the weather report.

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

    1. Which of the following refers specifically to liquid water droplets falling from the atmosphere? a) Hail b) Snow c) Rain d) Dew

    2. The meteorologist predicted a high chance of ______ tomorrow, advising commuters to prepare for wet conditions and reduced visibility. a) sunshine b) fog c) rain d) blizzard

    3. Select all appropriate words that describe a period of continuous atmospheric precipitation. a) Downpour b) Drought c) Rainfall d) Shower e) Rain

    4. Due to the persistent ______, outdoor construction work has been significantly delayed this week, causing project setbacks. a) breeze b) mist c) drizzle d) cloud cover

    5. The company issued a notice that employees should expect some disruptions if the predicted heavy ______ materializes, advising flexible working arrangements. a) forecast b) weather c) storm d) atmosphere

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: The city experienced significant flooding after the continuous precipitation last night. Rewrite using "rain" or a related word form:

    2. Original: Due to the adverse atmospheric conditions, the outdoor concert was unfortunately canceled. Rewrite using "rain" or a related word form:

    3. Original: The meteorologist predicted a period of light, steady moisture falling from the sky. Rewrite without using "rain" or its forms, but a suitable replacement word:

    Answer:

    Exercise 1 Answers:

    1. downpour
    2. precipitation
    3. rain
    4. rain

    Exercise 2 Answers:

    1. c) Rain
    2. c) Rain
    3. a) Downpour, c) Rainfall, d) Shower, e) Rain
    4. c) Drizzle
    5. c) Storm

    Exercise 3 Answers:

    1. Significant flooding occurred in the city after it rained continuously last night.
    2. The outdoor concert was unfortunately canceled due to the likelihood of rain.
    3. The meteorologist predicted a period of light, steady drizzle.

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