What is sink? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of sink

sinkverb

/sɪŋk/
Definition & pronunciation of sink

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sink" in English! There are two common pronunciations, and it's important to know both:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Pronunciation: /sɪŋk/ (Sounds like "sink" as in a bathtub)
  • Breakdown:
    • "si" - Sounds like the "si" in "sit"
    • "nk" - Sounds like "nk" as in "pink"

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • Pronunciation: /sɪŋk/ (Same as American English - but often with a slightly softer "k" sound)
  • Breakdown: Same as above.

Here's a quick way to remember it: Think of "sink" as a bathtub – that's the sound you're aiming for!

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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  • Where are you learning English? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) Knowing your region will help me tell you which pronunciation is more likely to be used.

Usage and examples with the word sink in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sink" – it's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a detailed look, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (to go down underwater)

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. It means to descend below the surface of water.
    • Example: "The ship began to sink after hitting the iceberg."
    • Example: "The balloon started to sink slowly to the ground."
    • Phrases:
      • To sink to the bottom: To descend to the lowest point of a body of water.
      • To sink slowly: To descend gradually.
      • To sink quickly: To descend rapidly.
      • To be sinking: The act of descending. "The boat is sinking!"

2. As a Noun (a plumbing fixture)

  • Definition: A basin with a lip around the edge, used for washing hands or dishes.
    • Example: "I washed the dishes in the sink."
    • Example: "She filled the sink with soapy water.”
    • Related words: faucet, drain, plumbing

3. As a Verb (to decline or fall into a state of trouble)

  • Definition: To gradually decrease in quality, popularity, or amount; to decline or worsen. This usage often implies a slow or steady deterioration.
    • Example: “The company’s profits began to sink after the recession.”
    • Example: "His morale started to sink when he lost his job."
    • Synonyms: decline, diminish, wane, deteriorate

4. As a Verb (to submerge or be submerged)

  • Definition: To be covered completely by liquid.
    • Example: "The diver sank to the bottom of the ocean."
    • Example: "The object was sunk beneath the waves."

5. As a Verb (to enter a state of despair or depression)

  • Definition: To lose hope; to become deeply unhappy. This usage is more figurative.
    • Example: "After the bad news, he sank into a deep depression."
    • Example: “Don't sink under pressure; find a way to cope.”

6. As a Noun (a geological depression)

  • Definition: A depression in the ground, often formed by erosion or volcanic activity.
    • Example: "The river flows through a deep sinkhole in the landscape.”

7. Figurative/Idiomatic Uses

  • To sink your teeth into something: (Idiom) To fully engage with something, especially a challenging task or a delicious food. “I’m going to sink my teeth into this report.”
  • To sink your hat into: (British idiom) – To kneel or bow down in respect. (Less common now)

Tips for Using "Sink" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Consider the Tone: The verb "sink" (as in decline) can carry a serious or somber tone.

Resources for More Information:

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Synonyms for the word sink

Idioms of the word sink

be sunk in something
to be in a state of unhappiness or deep thought
  • She just sat there, sunk in thought.
(like rats) deserting/leaving a sinking ship
(humorous, disapproving)used to talk about people who leave an organization, a company, etc. that is having difficulties, without caring about the people who are left
    somebody’s heart sinks
    used to say that somebody suddenly feels sad or depressed about something
    • My heart sank when I saw how much work there was left.
    • She watched him go with a sinking heart.
    sink your differences
    to agree to forget about your disagreements
    • We need to sink our differences and present a united opposition to the plan.
    a/that sinking feeling
    (informal)an unpleasant feeling that you get when you realize that something bad has happened or is going to happen
    • I had a horrible sinking feeling when I saw the ambulance outside the house.
    sink or swim
    to be in a situation where you will either succeed by your own efforts or fail completely
    • The new students were just left to sink or swim.
    • In a situation like this, you either sink or swim.
    sink so low | sink to something
    to have such low moral standards that you do something very bad
    • Stealing from your friends? How could you sink so low?
    • I can't believe that anyone would sink to such depths.
    • With this article the newspaper has sunk to a new low.
    sink/stoop to a new/an all-time low
    to behave in a worse way than ever before
    • The government has stooped to an all-time low with this policy.
    • Reality TV has sunk to new lows.

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