What is resource? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of resource

resourcenoun

/rɪˈzɔːs/
Definition & pronunciation of resource

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

1. The Most Common & Generally Accepted Pronunciation:

  • ˈrɪsəˌsɜːsə(t) – This is the pronunciation you'll hear most often, especially in American English. Let's break it down:
    • ˈrɪsə: (rhymes with "kiss-ah") – This is the initial part. Stress is on the first syllable. The "r" is lightly rolled, but not dramatically so.
    • ˌsɜːsə: (rhymes with "purse-uh") – This is the second part. The "s" is pronounced like a regular "s." The "er" makes a short "uh" sound, like in “bus.” The (t) at the end is often silent in American English, but can be pronounced briefly if the sentence demands the emphasis.

2. British English Pronunciation:

  • rɪˈsɔːrs – This is the standard British pronunciation.
    • rɪ: (rhymes with “bit”) - Stress is on the first syllable.
    • ˈsɔːrs: (rhymes with “sores”) – The 'r' is pronounced as a full, clear 'r' sound. The 's' is pronounced as 's' and the 'ou' sound is a diphthong – a combination of two vowel sounds blending together.

Tips & Considerations:

  • Stress: As you can see, stressing the first syllable is crucial.
  • "R" sound: The "r" sound in American English is often a lightly rolled "r," while in British English it’s a more distinct "r."
  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce resource" on YouTube – you'll find many native speakers demonstrating the pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing Pronunciation:

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

  • Where are you located? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia) – This helps me understand which dialect you’re likely to encounter most often.

Usage and examples with the word resource in English

Let's break down how to use the word "resource" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with multiple meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Core Meaning: Something That Can Be Used

At its most basic, "resource" refers to something that can be used for a particular purpose. This is the most common usage.

  • Example: "Water is a vital resource for all living things." (Here, it refers to a supply of water)
  • Example: "Books are a valuable resource for learning." (Here, it refers to a collection of books)
  • Example: "Time is a limited resource; we need to manage it carefully." (Here, it’s about a quantity that's finite)

2. Types of Resources (Categories):

"Resource" is often categorized. Here are some common types:

  • Natural Resources: These come from the environment and are essential for human survival:
    • Examples: Oil, coal, timber, minerals, land, air, water, sunlight.
  • Human Resources: These are the people who contribute to an organization or endeavor.
    • Examples: Employees, volunteers, staff, consultants.
  • Financial Resources: These are assets that provide money:
    • Examples: Cash, investments, loans, grants.
  • Material Resources: These are tangible things you can touch:
    • Examples: Tools, equipment, supplies, buildings.
  • Intellectual Resources: These are ideas, knowledge, and creativity.
    • Examples: Patents, copyrights, research data, expertise.
  • Information Resources: Sources of data and facts.
    • Examples: Internet, databases, libraries, archives.

3. Usage as a Noun & Verb

  • Noun: (Most common) It's usually a thing, substance, or person.
    • “We need to conserve our forest resources.”
  • Verb: Less common, but means to provide something or to make something available.
    • “The company will resource the project with additional staff.” (Meaning: provide)
    • “The library resources are extensive.” (Meaning: offering, making available)

4. Phrases and Expressions with "Resource":

  • Resourceful: Able to find clever ways to overcome difficulties. “She’s a very resourceful person – she can fix anything!”
  • Resource allocation: The process of distributing resources effectively. “The government’s resource allocation for education is crucial.”
  • Resourceful thinking: The ability to think creatively and find solutions.
  • Leverage a resource: To use a resource to gain an advantage. “They leveraged their research resources to build a strong patent portfolio.”

5. Examples in Different Contexts:

  • Business: “A company’s most important resource is its employees.”
  • Education: “Students can use the school’s online resources for research.”
  • Environment: “Sustainable development relies on the responsible use of natural resources.”
  • Personal: "I need to manage my time better—it's a precious resource."

Tips for Using "Resource" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: What is being used? What is the purpose? This will help you choose the right type of resource.
  • Be specific: Instead of saying "resources," try to specify which resources you’re talking about (e.g., "financial resources," "human resources").
  • Watch for synonyms: Sometimes "tool," "supply," "asset," or "means" can be used instead of "resource," depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

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

  • What kind of writing are you working on (e.g., essay, report, email)?
  • Do you have a specific sentence or context in mind where you’re trying to use the word “resource”?

Synonyms for the word resource

Practice with vocabulary resource

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Effective time management is a valuable ______ for any project manager navigating complex deadlines.
  2. The company's primary objective is to optimize the allocation of its financial ______ to foster sustainable growth.
  3. Before launching the new product, the team must ensure all necessary permits and legal ______ have been secured.
  4. Developing a strong professional ______ is crucial for career advancement and securing future opportunities.

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

  1. Which of the following would be considered a valuable resource for a research project? A) A comprehensive academic database B) A team of experienced data analysts C) Access to a specialized laboratory D) All of the above

  2. The organization is facing a critical shortage of skilled personnel. What measures could help address this challenge? A) Investing in talent development programs B) Streamlining administrative processes C) Recruiting from a wider talent pool D) Efficiently utilizing existing human resources

  3. Which of the following terms is often used to describe natural elements like water, minerals, and forests, essential for human survival and economic activity? A) Commodities B) Assets C) Natural resources D) Provisions

  4. The primary ______ of information for this report was a series of government publications and official statistics. A) Source B) Material C) Supply D) Endowment

  5. To complete the complex task, the team needs access to specialized equipment and sufficient financial ______. A) Provisions B) Funds C) Holdings D) Investments

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company needs to find ways to use its money and personnel more wisely.

    • (Rewrite the sentence, incorporating "resource" or a related word form.)

  2. She is very good at solving problems with limited tools and money.

    • (Rewrite the sentence, incorporating "resource" or a related word form.)

  3. Our main building has modern laboratories and meeting rooms that are available for staff use.

    • (Rewrite the sentence, using a suitable replacement word instead of "resource".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. resource
  2. resources
  3. approvals
  4. network

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. D) All of the above
  2. A) Investing in talent development programs, C) Recruiting from a wider talent pool, D) Efficiently utilizing existing human resources
  3. C) Natural resources
  4. A) Source
  5. B) Funds

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The company needs to optimize the utilization of its financial and human resources.
  2. She demonstrates exceptional resourcefulness in solving problems with limited means.
  3. Our main building provides state-of-the-art laboratories and meeting rooms as facilities for staff.

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