What is remain? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of remain

remainverb

/rɪˈmeɪn/
Definition & pronunciation of remain

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "remain" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Standard Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • rhymes with "re-main" - This is the most frequently used and understood pronunciation.
    • re - pronounced like the "re" in "red" (short 'e' sound)
    • main - pronounced like the word "main" (as in, the central point of something)

2. A More Detailed Breakdown (For Accuracy):

  • re - as above – short "e" sound.
  • mai - This part is where people often stumble. It’s a diphthong (a gliding vowel sound). It sounds like the "ay" in "day." You're essentially creating a two-stage vowel sound.
  • n - pronounced as in "no"

3. Phonetic Transcription (For those who like the technical approach):

/reɪˈmeɪn/ (This uses the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA)

  • re – /rɛ/ (a short, open "e" sound)
  • ˈmeɪ – /ˈmeɪ/ (the diphthong "ay" sound – like in "day")
  • n – /n/

Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Focus on the "mai" part: Pay close attention to how your mouth moves to make that "ay" sound. Try saying "day" and then try to keep that same vowel sound as you say "main."
  • Don’t overemphasize the “re”: It’s a short, subtle sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce remain" on YouTube – you'll find many audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/remain/ – This site lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.

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

  • Where are you from? (Your native language can influence your pronunciation of English sounds.)

Usage and examples with the word remain in English

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

1. As a Verb (most common usage - staying or continuing):

  • Meaning: To stay in the same place or state; to continue to exist or be true.
  • Examples:
    • "The rain remained throughout the night." (stayed)
    • "She remained calm despite the chaos." (continued to be calm)
    • "Despite the challenges, his determination remained strong." (continued to be strong)
    • "Millions of tourists remain in Paris this summer." (are still in Paris)
    • "The price of oil remained steady today." (did not change)

2. As a Verb (legal/formal - to be left or continue to be in effect):

  • Meaning: To be left or continue to be in effect, especially after a legal process or decision. This usage is more formal and often legalistic.
  • Examples:
    • "The verdict remained unchanged after the appeal." (continued to be the same)
    • "The restrictions remain in place until further notice." (are still in effect)
    • "His sentence remained suspended pending his appeal." (was not carried out)

3. As an Adjective (meaning: remaining, still):

  • Meaning: Still; continuing to exist or be present. This is less common than the verb usage, but important to know.
  • Examples:
    • "There are only a few tickets remaining." (left over)
    • "She has remaining energy after the workout." (still present)
    • "The company is facing remaining challenges." (still needing to be addressed)

4. Phrases with "Remain":

  • Remain in touch: To keep in contact with someone. “Let’s remain in touch.”
  • Remain silent: To not speak. “He remained silent throughout the meeting.”
  • Remain unchanged: To stay the same. “The rules remained unchanged.”
  • Remain a possibility: To still be a chance or option. “There’s still a remnant possibility of success."

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • "Remain" vs. "Stay": "Remain" typically implies a more enduring or formal stay; it suggests something that actively persists. “Stay” is generally more casual and refers to a temporary position. Example: “I’ll stay here tonight” (temporary) vs. “The problem remains unresolved.” (ongoing)

  • "Remain" vs. "Continue": Both mean to keep doing something. “Remain” often focuses on being in a certain state, while “continue” emphasizes the action of keeping something going. “He remained focused” (state of being) vs. “He continued to work hard.” (action)

Tips for Using "Remain" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: The specific meaning of “remain” will depend heavily on the context of the sentence.
  • Think about the duration: Does the action imply a long-term or short-term state? “Remain” tends to imply something longer-lasting.
  • Check the grammar: Ensure you're using "remain" correctly as a verb, adjective, or part of a phrase.

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 using "remain" in? (e.g., general conversation, writing an essay, a specific topic like law or science?)

Synonyms for the word remain

Idioms of the word remain

keep/hold (yourself) aloof | remain/stand aloof
to not become involved in something; to show no interest in people
  • The Emperor kept himself aloof from the people.
remain/stand aloof | keep/hold (yourself) aloof
to not become involved in something; to show no interest in people
  • He has remained somewhat aloof from the business of politics.

Practice with vocabulary remain

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Despite the market fluctuations, our core principles and long-term vision ________ unchanged.
  2. After the initial allocation, a substantial portion of the funds will ________ for unforeseen expenditures.
  3. The discussion about the proposed policy changes is expected to ________ in the next board meeting.
  4. To achieve long-term growth, businesses must ________ a competitive edge in the market.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Even after the official closing time, a few dedicated researchers chose to ________ in the laboratory to complete their experiments. a) stay b) remain c) linger d) await
  2. Despite the recent economic downturn, consumer confidence appears to ________ relatively stable. a) persist b) maintain c) remain d) endure
  3. The board's decision regarding the new policy will ________ confidential until the official announcement. a) hold b) keep c) remain d) sustain
  4. It is imperative to ________ accurate records for tax purposes. a) keep b) maintain c) retain d) remain
  5. The team needs to ________ its focus on achieving the primary project milestones. a) uphold b) maintain c) preserve d) remain

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Despite the company's expansion, its commitment to local suppliers has not changed. (Use "remain")
  2. After the principal expenses were covered, there was still some budget available for contingencies. (Use "remain")
  3. It is crucial for employees to continue to show a professional attitude even under pressure. (Do NOT use "remain")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. remain
  2. remain
  3. continue
  4. sustain

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) stay, b) remain, c) linger
  2. c) remain
  3. c) remain
  4. a) keep, b) maintain, c) retain
  5. a) uphold, b) maintain, c) preserve

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Despite the company's expansion, its commitment to local suppliers has remained steadfast.
  2. After the principal expenses were covered, some budget remained for contingencies.
  3. It is crucial for employees to maintain a professional attitude even under pressure.

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