What is record? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of record

recordnoun/verb

/ˈrɛkɔːd/
Definition & pronunciation of record

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

The most common and correct pronunciation is:

  • /ˈrɛkərd/ (rhymes with "neck-ord")

Let’s break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "re-": This is pronounced like the "re" in "red" - a short, quick "r" sound.

  2. "cord": This is where most people stumble. It’s not like "core" or "cohort." It’s pronounced with a slightly rounded vowel sound, mimicking the feeling of saying "neck." Think of it like you're gently pulling back your tongue towards the roof of your mouth.

Here’s a more detailed explanation of the vowel sound:

  • It's not "core": Don't say “core.”
  • It’s not “cohort”: Don't say “cohort”.
  • It’s like a relaxed “er”: Imagine saying “neck” but without the “neck” part. It’s a short, almost swallowed sound.

Resources to help you hear it:

Tips for practicing:

  • Say “neck” and then remove the “neck” part, leaving just the “rd.” That's getting closer.
  • Exaggerate the vowel sound initially. Don't be afraid to make it a bit more pronounced when you're learning.
  • Listen and repeat. The more you listen to native speakers and repeat the word, the better you'll get.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some practice sentences using the word "record"?

Usage and examples with the word record in English

Let's break down how to use the word "record" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (things that are recorded):

  • Audio Recording: This is probably the most common meaning.
    • "I made a record of our conversation." (meaning a recording of the conversation)
    • "She's a professional recording engineer."
    • "The band released a new record last week." (referring to the album)
  • Written Record/Document: Anything written down for reference.
    • "The records show he was employed here for five years." (meaning employment records)
    • "Keep accurate records of your expenses."
    • "The record of the meeting is attached to this email."
  • Official Record: A formal document of an event or achievement.
    • "He holds the world record for the fastest mile."
    • "The hospital kept a record of her medical history."
  • Vinyl Record (Old-fashioned): A physical disc used to play music.
    • "He collects vintage records."

2. As a Verb (actions related to recording):

  • To Capture Sound:
    • "I'm going to record my voice for a podcast."
    • "The band is recording a new album in the studio."
    • "The journalist recorded the interview."
  • To Note/Document:
    • "Please record all expenses." (meaning to write them down)
    • "She recorded her observations in a notebook."
    • "The librarian recorded the date of the book's arrival."
  • To Officially Keep a Record:
    • "The bank records all transactions."
    • "The school records student attendance."
  • To Set a Record (Formal):
    • "He recorded the highest score in the competition." (meaning he achieved the highest score)
    • "The team recorded a new team record for points scored."
  • To Preserve (Less Common): To keep something safe and uncorrupted.
    • “The museum records ancient artifacts.” (meaning protects them)

3. Phrases Using "Record":

  • Record-breaking: Meaning achieving a new highest or best result. “He set a record-breaking time.”
  • Record a message: To leave a voice or video message.
  • Record a time: To note a time (e.g., “Record the time you arrive”).

Here's a table summarizing the common usages:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Audio recording "Let’s record the concert."
Noun Written document "The estate planning records are here."
Noun Official record "He holds the world record."
Verb Capture sound "We're recording the band."
Verb Note/Document "Record all expenses."
Verb Set a record “She recorded a new personal best.”

Tips for Choosing the Right "Record":

  • Context is key! The surrounding words will usually make it clear which meaning is intended.
  • Think about what's being captured or documented. Is it sound, writing, an event, or a score?

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

  • What are you trying to do with the word "record"? (e.g., write a sentence, understand a specific text, etc.)
  • Is there a particular context you're thinking about? (e.g., music, business, sports, etc.)

Synonyms for the word record

Idioms of the word record

(just) for the record
used to show that you want what you are saying to be officially written down and remembered
  • Just for the record I would like to clarify something my colleague said earlier.
used to emphasize a point that you are making, so that the person you are speaking to takes notice
  • And, for the record, he would be the last person I'd ask.
like a broken record
in a way that keeps repeating a statement or opinion in an annoying way
  • I hate sounding like a broken record, but I have to say again, we must do more to help.
a matter of record
(formal)something that has been recorded as being true
    off the record
    if you tell somebody something off the record, it is not yet official and you do not want them to repeat it publicly
    • Strictly off the record, some members of staff will have to be made redundant.
    put/place something on (the) record | be/go on (the) record (as saying…)
    to say something publicly or officially so that it may be written down and repeated
    • He didn't want to go on the record as either praising or criticizing the proposal.
    • I should like to place on record my sincere thanks to all those who have given support.
    put/set the record straight
    to give people the correct information about something in order to make it clear that what they previously believed was in fact wrong
    • To put the record straight, I do not support that idea and never have done.

    Practice with vocabulary record

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. It is vital for companies to keep an accurate financial ______ of all transactions for auditing purposes.
    2. During the research phase, scientists meticulously ______ their observations and experimental data to ensure reproducibility.
    3. The old manuscripts were carefully placed in the university's ______ for long-term preservation.
    4. Before accessing the online portal, new users must first ______ their details by creating an account.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which of the following verbs can mean to formally put information down in writing or another medium? a) Conceal b) Record c) Transcribe d) Fabricate e) Document

    2. Which of the following nouns refers to a formal written account of events, facts, or data? a) Hypothesis b) Record c) Log d) Conjecture e) Report

    3. Which of these words best describes the highest achievement or best performance ever measured in a specific field? a) Baseline b) Record c) Benchmark d) Precedent e) Milestone

    4. Which of the following verbs describes the act of formally joining a list or group, or signifying one's presence? a) Withdraw b) Register c) Enroll d) Sign up e) Depart

    5. Which words describe the process of storing data or documents for long-term historical or institutional purposes? a) Archive b) Discard c) Store d) Preserve e) Delete

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: The committee decided to write down all the key decisions made during the meeting for future reference. Rewrite (using "record" or a related word form):

    2. Original: Her extensive collection of scientific observations spanned over two decades and provided invaluable insights. Rewrite (using "record" or a related word form):

    3. Original: It is crucial to meticulously maintain a detailed account of all project expenditures for accountability. Rewrite (without using "record", but with a suitable replacement word):

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. record
    2. record
    3. archive
    4. register

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) Record, c) Transcribe, e) Document
    2. b) Record, c) Log, e) Report
    3. b) Record, c) Benchmark, e) Milestone
    4. b) Register, c) Enroll, d) Sign up
    5. a) Archive, c) Store, d) Preserve

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Rewrite: The committee decided to record all the key decisions made during the meeting for future reference.
    2. Rewrite: Her extensive scientific records spanned over two decades and provided invaluable insights.
    3. Rewrite: It is crucial to meticulously document all project expenditures for accountability.

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