What is significantly? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of significantly

significantlyadverb

/sɪɡˈnɪfɪk(ə)ntli/
Definition & pronunciation of significantly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "significantly" in English. It can be tricky, but with a bit of attention to the syllables, it becomes much clearer.

Here's a breakdown with phonetic approximations:

1. Syllable by Syllable:

  • Sign: /saɪn/ (like the act of pointing or writing) - Think "sigh" with an "n" at the end.
  • i: /i/ (as in "it") – a short, simple "i" sound.
  • fi: /fi/ (like "fee")
  • cant: /kən/ (like "con") – short, quick sound.
  • ly: /li/ (like "Lee") – emphasizing the "l" sound.

2. Putting it Together (with emphasis):

The general pronunciation is: ** /ˈsaɪn.ɪ.fɪ.kənt.li/ **

Here's what that sounds like (you can type this into Google Translate or use an online pronunciation tool to hear it):

  • ˈsaɪn (emphasis on the first syllable - like "sign")
  • ɪ (short "i" sound)
  • fɪ (like "fee")
  • kənt (like "con")
  • li (like "Lee")

Tips for getting it right:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("sign").
  • Don't slur: Don't rush from one syllable to the next. Give each syllable its own distinct sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken. Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce significantly" and listen to native English speakers. Here's a good one to start with: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Jv546PqR9U

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a different example word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word significantly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "significantly" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a precise meaning, and using it correctly elevates your writing and speaking.

1. Core Meaning:

"Significantly" means in a noticeably important way; to a large extent; considerably. It describes something that has a substantial impact or effect. It’s stronger than simply “a lot” or “very.”

2. How to Use It – Common Sentence Structures:

  • With Verbs: This is the most common usage.

    • "The new policy significantly increased sales." (The policy had a big, noticeable effect on sales.)
    • "Climate change significantly affects weather patterns." (The impact is considerable and important.)
    • "The research significantly improved our understanding of the disease." (The improvement was substantial.)
    • "Her attendance significantly decreased after the accident." (A large and noticeable drop occurred.)

  • With Adjectives: You can use it to describe the degree of something.

    • "The earthquake caused significantly more damage than initially predicted." (The damage was much greater than expected.)
    • "The company's profits grew significantly last quarter." (The growth was considerable and important.)
    • "She felt significantly better after taking the medicine." (The improvement was noticeable and substantial.)

  • As an Adverb (describing a situation):

    • "The meeting was significantly delayed due to traffic." (The delay was substantial and important.)
    • "The storm caused significantly more flooding than we’d anticipated." (The flooding was much worse than expected.)

3. Important Considerations & Nuances:

  • It often implies a quantitative difference: “Significantly” is often best used when you can imply a measurable or noticeable change. If you can say how much something increased or decreased, that strengthens the use of "significantly."

  • Don't overuse it: Like many adverbs, “significantly” can become clunky if used too frequently. Consider if a more direct phrasing would be clearer. Sometimes, "a lot," "considerably," or "substantially" might be better choices.

  • Alternatives: Depending on the context, you could also use:

    • Substantially: Similar in meaning, often used in formal writing.
    • Considerably: Similar to "significantly"
    • Notably: “The results were notably different.” (Focuses on being worthy of attention)
    • Remarkably: "The singer's performance was remarkably captivating." (Emphasizes surprise or impressiveness)

4. Examples to Illustrate the Difference:

  • Weak: "The price of gas increased a lot." (Vague)

  • Better: "The price of gas increased significantly." (Implies a noticeable and important change.)

  • Weak: “The sales went up.” (Not descriptive)

  • Better: “The sales increased significantly this year.” (More informative – by how much?)

5. Let's Test Your Understanding

Fill in the blank with “significantly” or a suitable alternative:

"The study found that regular exercise __________ improved cardiovascular health."

(Answer: significantly – because you want to convey a substantial benefit)

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Help you practice using "significantly" in a sentence?
  • Focus on a specific context (e.g., academic writing, business communication)?

Synonyms for the word significantly

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