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:

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  • 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:

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

Idioms of the word spring

full of the joys of spring
very cheerful

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