What is spoil? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of spoil

spoilverb

/spɔɪl/
Definition & pronunciation of spoil

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "spoil" in English. It can be tricky because it's a common source of mispronunciation! Here's a breakdown:

1. Phonetics (The Science of Sound):

  • S: Pronounced like the "s" in "sun." ( /s/ )
  • P: Pronounced like the "p" in "pen." ( /p/ )
  • O: This is the tricky part! It's a diphthong, meaning it's a combination of two vowel sounds. It's pronounced roughly like the sound you make when saying "oy" in "boy." ( /ɔɪ/ ) – Think of the "oi" sound.
  • I: Pronounced like the "i" in "bit." ( /i/ )
  • L: Pronounced like the "l" in "light." ( /l/ )

2. Putting it Together - The Most Common Pronunciation:

The most common way to pronounce "spoil" is:

/spɔɪl/

Let's break that down again:

  • sp – as described above
  • ɔɪ – This is the key! A quick "oy" sound combined with an "i" sound. It’s short and quick. Don't let it linger too long.
  • l – as described above

3. Variations & Regional Differences:

  • "Spay-ul" (British English): In British English, you might hear it pronounced "spay-ul." This is because the "oi" diphthong has evolved to sound more like "ay."

  • Emphasis: The emphasis (where you stress the syllable) is usually on the first syllable: "spoil" (like "spoil" is more important).

4. Tips for Practicing:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear how native English speakers pronounce it. Use these resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "spoil" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: (forvo.com) - A website with pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce spoil" – you'll find tons of videos.

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying "spoil" and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.

  • Practice the Diphthong: Really focus on making the "ɔɪ" sound. Try saying "boy" and "toy" and then blending them together quickly.

To summarise: The key is to get that quick "oy" sound in the middle of the word.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Have you say "spoil" and I'll give you feedback on your pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word spoil in English

Let's break down how to use the word "spoil" in English. It's a really versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown categorized by different uses, with examples:

1. To Ruin or Damage Something: (Most Common Meaning)

  • Definition: To damage something so that it’s no longer good or enjoyable.
  • Examples:
    • "Don't spill your juice!" (Preventing damage)
    • "The rain spoiled our picnic." (Ruined the fun)
    • "He spoiled the antique vase by cleaning it with the wrong chemicals.” (Damaged its value)
    • “The storm spoiled the harvest.” (Ruined the crop)

2. To Reveal a Secret or Surprise:

  • Definition: To tell someone something that they were supposed to find out later. Often implies a breach of trust.
  • Examples:
    • “Don’t spoil the surprise party!” (Don’t tell her about it)
    • "He spoiled the ending of the movie for me." (He told me what happens)
    • "She spoiled the surprise by talking about it to everyone." (Revealed the secret)

3. To Excessively Provide for Someone (Often Child-Related):

  • Definition: To give someone too much (often gifts, money, or favors) and therefore prevent them from learning self-reliance, appreciating things, or facing challenges.
  • Examples:
    • "My parents spoiled me with expensive toys when I was a child." (Too much giving)
    • "Critics argue that excessive coddling can spoil children." (Negative consequence of over-providing)
    • "Don't spoil your kids – let them learn to do things for themselves." (Advice against spoiling)

4. To Lose Freshness or Flavor:

  • Definition: (Usually about food) To go bad or lose its quality.
  • Examples:
    • "The milk has spoiled in the fridge." (Gone bad)
    • “Don’t leave the bananas out, they'll spoil.” (Will lose their freshness)
    • “The berries spoiled quickly in the heat.” (Lost their quality)

5. (Less Common) To Make Something Less Valuable:

  • Definition: To reduce the value or importance of something. Can be used figuratively.
  • Examples:
    • “His constant complaining spoiled the mood of the meeting.” (Diminished the positive atmosphere)
    • “The scandal spoiled his reputation.” (Damaged his public image)

Important Notes and Considerations:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "spoil" heavily depends on the context of the sentence. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.

  • "Spoil" vs. "Spoilt" (British English): In British English, the spelling is “spoilt.” American English uses "spoiled."

  • Negative Connotation: Generally, "spoil" has a negative connotation. It suggests something is ruined, lost, or diminished.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • Are there any specific situations you’re wondering about how to use “spoil” in? (e.g., “How do I use it when talking about food?” or “How do I use it when talking about kids?”)

Synonyms for the word spoil

Idioms of the word spoil

be spoiling for a fight
to want to fight with somebody very much
    spoil the ship for a ha’p’orth/ha’pennyworth of tar
    (saying)to cause something good to fail because you did not spend a small but necessary amount of money or time on a small but essential part of it
      too many cooks spoil the broth
      (saying)if too many people are involved in doing something, it will not be done well

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