What is spring? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of spring

springverb/noun

/sprɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of spring

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "spring" in English. It's a tricky one because it's often mispronounced!

Here's the most common and correct pronunciation:

ˈsprɪŋ (stress is on the first syllable)

Let's break it down further:

  • "sp" – This is pronounced like the "sp" in "spot." It’s a short, quick "sp" sound.
  • "rɪ" – This is a diphthong (a combination of two vowel sounds). It sounds like the "i" in "bit" – a short, high vowel.
  • "ŋ" – This is the "ng" sound, like in "sing" or "long." It’s a nasal sound – think of it as vibrating your nasal passages slightly.

Putting it together:

It's almost like saying "sprink" but with a quicker "sp" sound at the beginning.

Tips for getting it right:

Do you want me to:

  • Say the word slowly?
  • Give you more example words with the "ŋ" sound?

Usage and examples with the word spring in English

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

1. As a Verb (to jump or leap):

  • Meaning: To jump or leap upwards with force.
  • Examples:
    • "The children spring up and down with excitement."
    • "The athlete springed across the finish line."
    • "He sprung from the car in a hurry."

2. As a Noun (the season):

  • Meaning: The season of the year between winter and summer, characterized by warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and new growth.
  • Examples:
    • "We love to go for walks in spring."
    • "The flowers are starting to spring up everywhere."
    • "He enjoys spring cleaning."

3. As a Noun (a coil or mechanism):

  • Meaning: A device that uses coiled metal or other materials to store potential energy and release it when activated (like a mattress, a watch, or a gun).
  • Examples:
    • "The mattress has a spring that allows it to bounce back."
    • "He fixed the watch by replacing the broken spring."
    • "The gun's spring mechanism is what propels the bullet."

4. As a Noun (a source or origin):

  • Meaning: A source of something, like a source of water, a fountain, or a source of energy or inspiration.
  • Examples:
    • “The tap springs from the mountain.” (Source of water)
    • “The melody came from a deep spring of creativity.” (Source of inspiration)
    • “They are hoping for spring rains to help the crops.” (Source of water for crops)

5. As a Verb (to arise or start):

  • Meaning: To begin to happen, to start, or to emerge. Often used in phrases.
  • Examples:
    • "The project springs from a desire to help others."
    • "A problem springs from a misunderstanding.”
    • "Ideas spring forth from his mind."

6. As a Noun (a religious spring):

  • Meaning: A place believed to have healing or sacred water. (More common in religious contexts)
  • Example: "The pilgrims traveled to the spring for its healing properties."

7. Figurative Usage (Common Phrases):

  • To spring something on someone: To suddenly announce something unexpected to someone. ("He sprang the news on her.")
  • To spring a surprise: To surprise someone unexpectedly.
  • To spring a leak: To cause something to leak. ("The pipe sprang a leak.")
  • To spring a trap: To set a trap.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What context are you thinking of using "spring" in? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, a school assignment?)

Synonyms for the word spring

Idioms of the word spring

full of the joys of spring
very cheerful

    Practice with vocabulary spring

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The unexpected market volatility seemed to _______ from a combination of geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns.
    2. The university's annual fundraising gala is always held in late _______, coinciding with the campus's full bloom.
    3. The research team meticulously identified the ultimate _______ of the rare pollutant in the water supply.
    4. Effective leadership is essential to _______ motivation and productivity within a diverse workforce.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which of the following actions or phenomena are typically associated with the arrival of spring? a) Hibernation of bears b) Migratory birds returning north c) Trees losing their leaves d) Flowers blooming

    2. The company's innovative marketing strategy helped to _______ consumer interest and drive sales. a) suppress b) stimulate c) stifle d) spring e) diminish

    3. In physics, a mechanical spring is primarily used to: a) Generate heat b) Convert light into energy c) Store potential energy d) Absorb shock and vibrations

    4. Which word best describes a sudden and significant upward movement or increase? a) plummet b) decline c) surge d) rebound e) recede

    5. The research findings were presented _______ a distinguished panel of scientists at the international conference. a) for b) to c) by d) from

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The concept of universal basic income first arose in philosophical discussions centuries ago.

      • Rewrite using "spring" or related word forms:

    2. After the cold season, the landscape typically experiences a period of awakening and lush growth.

      • Rewrite using "spring" or related word forms:

    3. The athlete performed an impressive jump over the high bar, setting a new personal best.

      • Rewrite without using "spring":

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. sprang
    2. spring
    3. source
    4. foster

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b, d
    2. b, d
    3. c, d
    4. c, d
    5. b

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The concept of universal basic income first sprang from philosophical discussions centuries ago.
    2. After the cold season, the landscape typically experiences a period of awakening and lush growth in spring.
    3. The athlete performed an impressive leap over the high bar, setting a new personal best.

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