What is reproduce? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of reproduce

reproduceverb

/ˌriːprəˈdjuːs/
Definition & pronunciation of reproduce

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "reproduce." It can be tricky for some people! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables: re-pro-duce

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • re: Pronounced like "reh" - as in "red" - a short, quick "r" sound.
  • pro: Pronounced like "proh" - similar to the "pro" in "problem" but a bit shorter and more clipped.
  • duce: Pronounced like "dews" - with a short "oo" sound (like in "foot") followed by a "s" sound. The "u" is silent.

3. Combined:

So, putting it all together, it sounds like: reh-proh-dews

4. Tips for Accuracy:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("pro").
  • The "u" is silent: Don't pronounce the "u" in "duce".
  • Smooth transition: Try to connect the syllables smoothly, rather than pronouncing each one separately.

Resources for Hearing it:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a sentence using the word "reproduce" so you can practice saying it in context?

Usage and examples with the word reproduce in English

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

1. To Create a Copy (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To make an identical copy of something, whether it's a physical object, a sound, a text, or a pattern.
  • Examples:
    • "The printer reproduces the image perfectly." (Making a copy of an image)
    • "Scientists are trying to reproduce the results of the experiment." (Repeating an experiment)
    • "The software reproduces the original sound." (Recreating a sound)
    • "The artist reproduced a famous painting on canvas." (Creating a copy of a painting)

2. To Bear Offspring (Biological)

  • Meaning: To give birth to new individuals. This refers to the biological process of reproduction.
  • Examples:
    • "Female animals reproduce by laying eggs."
    • "Humans reproduce through sexual intercourse."
    • "The success of the species depends on its ability to reproduce."

3. To Express or Repeat (Ideas, Feelings, etc.)

  • Meaning: To state or express something again, often in a similar way or with similar content. It can also imply repeating an emotion or behaviour.
  • Examples:
    • "The journalist reproduced the witness’s statement verbatim." (Repeating the statement exactly)
    • "She reproduced her childhood dream." (Expressing a past dream again)
    • "The actress reproduced the character's mannerisms." (Mimicking the character's way of acting)
    • "The report reproduces the findings of previous studies." (Repeating the findings)

4. To Make Something Available Again (Digital)

  • Meaning: (Especially in the digital world) To make something accessible, like a file, a program, or a design.
  • Examples:
    • “The studio is reproducing the classic film on Blu-ray.” (Making the film available on a new format)
    • “The software company reproduced the original design.” (Making the design available again for download)

5. (Less Common) To Create or Produce (Goods, Materials)

  • Meaning: To manufacture or generate something.
  • Example: “The factory reproduces thousands of widgets every day.” (Manufacturing widgets)

Key Considerations & Synonyms:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "reproduce" is almost always determined by the context in which it's used.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the meaning, you could use words like:
    • Copy: (For creating a duplicate)
    • Reproduce: (A more formal version of copy)
    • Repeat: (For stating something again)
    • Recreate: (For creating something similar)
    • Bear: (For reproducing offspring)
    • Generate: (For producing something)

Resources for More Information:

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

  • In what context are you thinking about using "reproduce"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, learning about science, etc.)

Practice with vocabulary reproduce

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many species of fish migrate long distances to their spawning grounds where they can effectively ________.
  2. The company has invested heavily in new machinery to ________ its production capacity and meet growing demand.
  3. The research team struggled to ________ the exact environmental conditions of the initial experiment, leading to inconsistent results.
  4. Artists often strive to ________ emotions and experiences through their work, aiming for a deep connection with the audience.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following actions are essential for the long-term survival and evolution of a species? a) Migration b) Hibernation c) Reproduction d) Adaptation e) Predation

  2. To ensure the integrity of scientific findings, it is crucial for other researchers to be able to ________ the experimental outcomes. a) analyze b) interpret c) reproduce d) synthesize e) review

  3. What typically describes the process of creating something new or bringing an idea into existence for the first time? a) Generate b) Duplicate c) Invent d) Replicate e) Copy

  4. Which actions involve making a physical or digital copy of an original item or recording? a) Transcribe an audio file b) Distribute a report c) Reproduce a photograph d) Compile data e) Scan a document

  5. When a speaker aims to convey their message concisely and in their own words, they often choose to ________ it rather than repeating it verbatim. a) emphasize b) paraphrase c) articulate d) reiterate e) summarize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The advanced digital printer can make incredibly accurate copies of original artworks. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "reproduce".

  2. The natural habitat provides all the necessary elements for these rare birds to successfully have young. Rewrite the sentence using the verb "reproduce".

  3. The architect's primary goal was to create a building that would last for centuries. Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement for "create" that doesn't use "reproduce" or its forms.


Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. reproduce
  2. expand
  3. reproduce
  4. evoke

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) Reproduction, d) Adaptation
  2. c) reproduce
  3. a) Generate, c) Invent
  4. a) Transcribe an audio file, c) Reproduce a photograph, e) Scan a document
  5. b) paraphrase, e) summarize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The advanced digital printer can reproduce incredibly accurate copies of original artworks.
  2. The natural habitat provides all the necessary elements for these rare birds to successfully reproduce.
  3. The architect's primary goal was to design/construct/build a building that would last for centuries.

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