What is river? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of river

rivernoun

/ˈrɪvə/
Definition & pronunciation of river

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

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈrɪvər/ (rhymes with "rive-er")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "riv": This part is key. It's pronounced like "rive" – think of the word "rive" (as in, to tear). The "i" is a short "i" sound, like in "bit."

  2. "er": This is pronounced like "er" in "her" or "term." It's a short, clear "er" sound.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the sounds:

  • ˈ (This symbol indicates primary stress - it means the first syllable is emphasized.)
  • r – a "voiced" "r". This means your vocal cords vibrate as you pronounce it. Think of how you pronounce "red" or "bird".
  • ɪ – a short, quick "i" sound, like in "bit" or "sit."
  • v – a standard "v" sound.
  • ər – a short “er” sound, like in “her” or “term.”

Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce river" and listen to native English speakers. Here are a few links:

  • Focus on the "rive" sound: Many learners struggle with this part. Practice saying "rive" several times.

  • Don't overemphasize the "r": The "r" sound is subtle in English compared to other languages.

Regional variations

While the /ˈrɪvər/ pronunciation is the most common, you might hear slight variations in certain regions:

  • Some people in the US might pronounce it more like /ˈrɪvɚ/ (with a longer "er" sound). However, this is less common.

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

  • Where are you from? (This can help me identify if you might be used to a slightly different pronunciation.)

Usage and examples with the word river in English

Let's break down how to use the word "river" in English. It's a relatively simple word, but it has a lot of uses!

1. Basic Definition:

  • A river is a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another river. This is the core definition.

2. Common Ways to Use "River":

  • As a Noun (the subject or object of a sentence):

    • "The river flows through the valley." (Subject)
    • "We sailed down the river." (Object)
    • "The river is wide and deep." (Describing the river)

  • Describing Locations:

    • "They live by the river."
    • "The town is located on the riverbank." (Riverbank - the land alongside a river)
    • "We took a boat trip down the river."

  • Figurative Language (Metaphor and Simile): “River” can be used to represent something flowing or continuous.

    • "Time is a river that flows relentlessly." (Metaphor – comparing time to a river)
    • "His anger rose like a river." (Simile – comparing anger to a rising river)

  • Specific River Names: You'll often use "river" followed by the name of a particular river.

    • "The Amazon River is the longest in the world."
    • "We visited the Thames River in London."

3. Grammatical Points:

  • Plural: The plural of “river” is “rivers.”

    • “There are many rivers in this region.”

  • Prepositions: “River” often appears with these prepositions:

    • Along: "They walked along the river."
    • Down: “We floated down the river.”
    • Across: “We crossed the river on a bridge.”
    • By: “They camped by the river.”
    • On: "The riverbank was covered in wildflowers."

4. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Riverbank: The land bordering a river.
  • River delta: Where a river branches out into smaller channels before entering a larger body of water.
  • River mouth: The point where a river flows into a larger body of water.
  • River system: A network of rivers and streams.

Examples in Sentences:

  • "The fishermen cast their lines into the river."
  • "The children splashed in the river on a hot summer day."
  • "She dreamed of a journey down the Mississippi River.”
  • “The sound of the river was incredibly peaceful.”

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

  • What are you trying to write or say that you want to use "river" in? (e.g., a story, a description, a fact)

Synonyms for the word river

Idioms of the word river

sell somebody down the river
(informal)to give poor or unfair treatment to somebody you have promised to help

    Practice with vocabulary river

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The Amazon is the largest ______ in the world by discharge volume, flowing through South America.
    2. Ancient civilizations often flourished along the fertile banks of a major ______, which provided water for agriculture and transport.
    3. After the heavy rainfall, a small ______ formed, carrying debris down the hillside and into the larger body of water.
    4. Engineers constructed an elaborate network of ______ to irrigate the crops and facilitate trade between cities.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which of these describes a large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another stream? a) pond b) ocean c) river d) canal

    2. Cities often develop around which of the following geographical features? (Select all that apply) a) vast deserts b) major rivers c) mountain peaks d) coastlines e) fertile valleys

    3. The term 'confluence' is most commonly used to describe the point where two ______ join. a) roads b) mountain ranges c) rivers d) cities

    4. Which of the following terms refers to a very small, narrow body of flowing water, typically found in a natural landscape? (Select all that apply) a) stream b) brook c) fjord d) reservoir

    5. A long, narrow strip of water dug out for irrigation, drainage, or navigation, usually man-made, is known as a ______. a) lake b) canal c) delta d) spring

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The long waterway meandered gracefully through the valley, eventually reaching the sea. Rewrite the sentence, replacing "waterway" with a more specific natural term.

    2. Due to heavy rainfall, the water level in the main watercourse rose significantly, posing a flood risk. Rewrite the sentence using a form of "river" to describe the watercourse.

    3. Explorers skillfully navigated the wide natural flow of water, discovering new territories upstream. Rewrite the sentence, replacing "natural flow of water" with a suitable alternative that does not include "river".

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. river
    2. river
    3. stream
    4. canals

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. c) river
    2. b) major rivers, d) coastlines, e) fertile valleys
    3. c) rivers
    4. a) stream, b) brook
    5. b) canal

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The long river meandered gracefully through the valley, eventually reaching the sea.
    2. Due to heavy rainfall, the river's water level rose significantly, posing a flood risk.
    3. Explorers skillfully navigated the wide channel, discovering new territories upstream.

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