What is successful? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of successful

successfuladjective

/səkˈsɛsf(ʊ)l/
Definition & pronunciation of successful

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

1. Syllable by Syllable:

  • suc-: Sounds like "suck" – like the action of sucking. It's a short, sharp sound.
  • -cess-: Sounds like "cess" – like the word "cessation."
  • -ful: Sounds like "ful" – as in "full."

2. Putting it together:

The whole word sounds something like: suck-sihs-ful

Here’s a more detailed breakdown with phonetic symbols (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

  • /səˈkessfəl/

Let's break that down further:

  • /sə/ – This is a schwa sound (ə), a very short, neutral vowel sound. It’s like the "a" in "about." It’s often reduced to almost nothing in spoken English.
  • /ˈkess/ – This is where the "cess" part comes in. The stress is on this syllable. The "k" is pronounced clearly.
  • /fəl/ – The final "ful" as described above.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("cess"). This is crucial – getting the stress wrong makes it hard to understand.
  • 's' sound: Make sure the 's' in "cess" is clear and crisp.
  • Smooth transition: Try to link the "suck" and "cess" syllables together smoothly. Don't pause too much between them.

Resources to help you hear it:

  • Google Translate: Type “successful” into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/successful/ - This website has audio recordings of the word pronounced by native speakers from various regions.
  • Youglish: https://youglish.com/w/successful - This shows you how the word is pronounced in real-world videos.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using "successful"?

Usage and examples with the word successful in English

Let's break down how to use the word "successful" effectively in English. It's a really common word, but it can be tricky to use precisely.

1. Basic Definition:

  • Successful means achieving the desired result; having achieved success. It describes something or someone that has accomplished a goal or has done well.

2. How to Use It – Different Ways:

  • Describing People: This is the most common use.

    • "She is a successful businesswoman." (She's achieved significant success in her career.)
    • "He was a successful athlete." (He had a good career and achieved great things in his sport.)
    • "They are a successful couple." (They have a happy and stable relationship.)
    • "My son is a successful student." (He’s doing well in his studies.)

  • Describing Outcomes/Achievements:

    • "The project was a successful one." (The project achieved its goals.)
    • "The new policy proved to be a successful measure." (The policy worked well and led to positive results.)
    • "We had a successful fundraising event." (The event raised a lot of money.)

  • Describing Qualities (Often with adjectives): You can often use "successful" to describe a positive quality.

    • "He has a successful personality." (He is likeable, confident, and generally well-received.)
    • "She’s a successful negotiator." (She is good at getting agreements.)

3. Using “Successful” with Adjectives:

You often combine “successful” with adjectives to give more detail:

  • Highly successful: (Very successful – "He was a highly successful entrepreneur.")
  • Exceptionally successful: (Beyond ordinary success – "The film was an exceptionally successful release.")
  • Ultimately successful: (Successful in the end after facing challenges – "Despite the setbacks, the team was ultimately successful.")
  • Surprisingly successful: (Success that is unexpected – “The small shop was surprisingly successful.”)

4. Phrases Using “Successful”:

  • Successful outcome: A positive result.
  • To be successful at something: To do well at it. (“He’s successful at playing the piano.”)
  • Successful person: Someone who has achieved success.
  • Successful strategy: A plan that works well.

5. Important Nuances & Similar Words:

  • Success (the noun form) is the result of being successful. “She achieved success in her career.”
  • Achievement: Often implies overcoming difficulties to reach a goal. “His greatest achievement was winning the marathon.”
  • Victory: Specifically refers to winning a contest or battle.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Overuse: While common, “successful” can sound a bit bland if used too frequently. Try to be more specific.
  • Incorrect Usage: Be careful not to use it to describe something that's just okay – it implies a significant degree of accomplishment.

Example sentences to practice:

  1. “The company’s new advertising campaign was very successful.”
  2. “She's a successful doctor, known for her compassionate care.”
  3. “To be successful in this field requires hard work and dedication.”
  4. “The successful outcome of the negotiations led to a new agreement.”

To help me tailor the explanation even more to your needs, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, just learning the language)?
  • Are there any specific situations where you’re trying to use “successful”?

Synonyms for the word successful

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