What is secure? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of secure

secureadjective/verb

/sɪˈkjʊə//sɪˈkjɔː/
Definition & pronunciation of secure

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "secure." There are a couple of common ways to say it, and both are generally accepted. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈskjuːər (Sounds like "SKOO-er")

    • ˈskjuː - This part is key. It's pronounced with a short "u" sound, like in "put" or "cut." The stress is on this syllable.
    • ər - This is a simple schwa sound, similar to the "a" in "about." It's a very relaxed, unstressed vowel.

2. British English Pronunciation:

  • ˈsɪkjur (Sounds like "SIK-ur")

    • ˈsɪkj - This uses a long "i" sound, like in "sit" or "big." The stress is here.
    • ur - Pronounced like the "ur" in "hurt."

Here's a helpful resource to hear the pronunciations:

Tips to remember:

  • American English: Focus on the "SKOO-er" sound.
  • British English: Focus on the "SIK-ur" sound.

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

  • Which dialect of English are you interested in? (American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word secure in English

Let's break down how to use the word "secure" in English. It's a really versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by how you use it:

1. As an Adjective (Describing Something):

  • Safe and Protected: This is the most common meaning. It describes something that is free from danger or risk.

    • "We need to secure the valuables in the safe." (protecting them)
    • "The building has secure locks." (safe from intruders)
    • "The company implemented secure data practices." (safe from cyber threats)
    • "She felt secure in her new home." (feeling safe and protected)

  • Firm and Stable: This refers to something solid, reliable, or not easily moved.

    • "The ground was secure after the rain." (firm and stable)
    • "He nailed the picture frame to the wall for a secure hold." (firmly attached)

  • Confirmed and Certain: This describes a situation that is definite and agreed upon.

    • "Once the contract is secure, we can start the project." (confirmed and finalized)
    • "He managed to secure a meeting with the CEO." (arranged and confirmed)

2. As a Verb (An Action):

  • To Protect or Guard: This means to take steps to make something safe.

    • "I’m going to secure the windows before I go to bed." (protecting them)
    • "The guard secured the perimeter." (guarded the area)
    • "They need to secure the area from further damage." (protect it from more harm)

  • To Obtain or Acquire: This means to get something, often with effort or negotiation.

    • "The company tried to secure a major contract." (to obtain the contract)
    • "She worked hard to secure a scholarship." (to obtain the scholarship)
    • "The politician is trying to secure votes for the upcoming election." (to gain votes)

  • To Fix or Fasten Firmly: (Less common, but still valid)

    • “He secured the package with tape.” (fastened it tightly)

3. Phrases Using "Secure":

  • Secure the deal: To finalize and ensure a business agreement.
  • Secure the future: To plan for a stable and prosperous future.
  • Secure a position: To get a job or role.
  • Secure the perimeter: To guard the boundaries of an area.
  • Secure passage: To arrange safe travel (often used historically).

Tips for Choosing the Right Meaning:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to understand which meaning of "secure" is intended.
  • Consider the focus: Is the sentence talking about safety, stability, or achievement?

Resources for Further Learning:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using “secure” in different contexts?
  • Explain how “secure” differs from similar words like “safe” or “protected”?

Synonyms for the word secure

Practice with vocabulary secure

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

Complete the following sentences with the most appropriate word.

  1. The IT department worked tirelessly to __________ the company's network against cyber threats.
  2. Before the expedition, climbers must __________ all their equipment to prevent accidents.
  3. It is vital to __________ that all team members understand the new project guidelines.
  4. She had to work extra hours to __________ the necessary qualifications for the senior management position.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

Select all appropriate answers for each question.

  1. Which of the following words can describe a place or system that is well-protected and safe from harm? A) vulnerable B) fortified C) secure D) exposed

  2. If you successfully acquire something that was difficult to get, you might say you managed to: A) relinquish B) secure C) obtain D) abandon

  3. Which action suggests making something firm or stable, or attaching it firmly? A) loosen B) fasten C) secure D) unbind

  4. To make certain that something will happen or be the case is to: A) doubt B) assume C) ensure D) question

  5. To firmly join one thing to another, or to attach it, you could: A) detach B) connect C) separate D) affix

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

Rewrite the following sentences according to the instructions.

  1. Original: The team successfully managed to get the critical funding for their innovative research project. Rewrite using "secure":

  2. Original: It is imperative to keep all client information safe from unauthorized access. Rewrite using "secure" or a related form:

  3. Original: We must make sure that all participants have received the updated agenda before the meeting. Rewrite, but do not use "secure" or its forms. Use a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The IT department worked tirelessly to secure the company's network against cyber threats.
  2. Before the expedition, climbers must secure all their equipment to prevent accidents.
  3. It is vital to ensure that all team members understand the new project guidelines.
  4. She had to work extra hours to obtain the necessary qualifications for the senior management position.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) fortified, C) secure
  2. B) secure, C) obtain
  3. B) fasten, C) secure
  4. C) ensure
  5. B) connect, D) affix

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite using "secure": The team successfully managed to secure the critical funding for their innovative research project.
  2. Rewrite using "secure" or a related form: It is imperative to secure all client information from unauthorized access.
  3. Rewrite, but do not use "secure" or its forms. Use a suitable replacement word: We must ensure that all participants have received the updated agenda before the meeting.

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