What is space? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of space

spacenoun

/speɪs/
Definition & pronunciation of space

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /spes/ (rhymes with "beds")

Here's how to do it:

  1. "Sp" sound: Start with the "sp" sound – like in "spot" or "spin." This is the core of the word.
  2. "e" sound: Follow the "sp" with a short "e" sound, like in "bed" or "end." It's a quick, brief "e."

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  • Sp-: As described above - "spes"
  • -ace: A very quick and subtle "ace" sound. It's almost like you're blending the "sp" and the "e" together as one syllable.

Here are some resources that can help you hear it:

  • Google Search: Just type "how to pronounce space" into Google and click the audio icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/space/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce space" on YouTube, and you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Important Note: There’s a less common, older pronunciation that rhymes with "place" (/pleɪs/). However, the /spes/ pronunciation is overwhelmingly the standard now.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?
  • Explain why it's often difficult for learners?

Usage and examples with the word space in English

Let's break down how to use the word "space" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. Physical Space (Area, Room, Distance)

  • Definition: A measurable area or region.
  • Examples:
    • “There isn’t enough space in the car for all our luggage.”
    • “We need to clear this space so we can dance.”
    • “The apartment has a small living room and a large kitchen space.”
    • “He gave me some personal space.” (Meaning: he backed off a bit)
    • “The space shuttle launched successfully.”

2. Void / Empty Area

  • Definition: A lack of something; emptiness.
  • Examples:
    • “There was a large space of silence in the room.”
    • “The country had a vast, empty space of desert.”
    • “A space opened up in his schedule.” (Meaning: a time slot became available)

3. Mathematics – Dimensions & Coordinates

  • Definition: Used in geometry to describe dimensions or locations.
  • Examples:
    • “Three space dimensions (length, width, and height).”
    • “The coordinates of the star are in space.” (Referring to the 3D universe)
    • “The rocket's trajectory through space.”

4. Astronomy – Outer Space

  • Definition: The vast expanse beyond Earth.
  • Examples:
    • “We traveled to space aboard the Voyager spacecraft.”
    • “The dark space between the stars.”
    • “Scientists are exploring the mysteries of space.”

5. Time – Intervals, Gaps

  • Definition: A period of time. Often used to describe gaps.
  • Examples:
    • “There’s a 30-minute space between meetings.”
    • “We need to leave some space in the schedule for questions.”
    • "He left a large space of time between jobs.”

6. Computing – Memory, Storage

  • Definition: Used to describe available memory or storage capacity.
  • Examples:
    • “The computer has 8 GB of space.”
    • "Please free up some space on your hard drive.”

7. Figurative/Abstract “Space”

  • Definition: A mental or emotional quality; a place for something to exist or develop.
  • Examples:
    • “She needs some space to think.” (Meaning: she needs time and privacy to herself)
    • “He has a lot of creative space.” (Meaning: he’s very open to new ideas)
    • “There’s no space for negativity in our relationship.” (Meaning: we shouldn’t allow negative feelings to dominate).

8. “Space” as a Verb

  • Definition: To create or leave room for something.
  • Examples:
    • "Please space the words out evenly on the page."
    • "The designer spaced the furniture carefully in the room."

Tips for Using “Space” Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "space" changes depending on the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Prepositions: “Space for…” is a common phrase (e.g., “space for guests,” “space to sit”).
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms to avoid repetition – “room,” “area,” “interval,” “gap,” “void.”

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

  • What are you trying to write or say that you're using the word "space" in? (e.g., a story, an email, a description?)

Synonyms for the word space

Idioms of the word space

be in a good, bad, dark, etc. place
to be feeling happy, sad, worried, etc. about something; to be in a good, bad, unhappy, etc. state
  • I'm happy now. I'm in a good place.
  • Me and Ed are in a good space right now.
  • The economy is in a better place than it was a year ago.
  • He was in a bad place, mentally and emotionally.
  • She was in a dark place after her mother's death.
look/stare/gaze into space
to look straight in front of you without looking at a particular thing, usually because you are thinking about something
  • He sat staring into space, like a man in a trance.
  • She sat there motionless, staring into space.
a waste of space
(informal)a person who is not useful or good at anything
  • You are a pathetic waste of space!
watch this space
(informal)used in orders, to tell somebody to wait for more news about something to be announced
  • I can't tell you any more right now, but watch this space.

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