What is swallow? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of swallow

swallowverb

/ˈswɒləʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of swallow

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "swallow" in English. It's a tricky one because it has a bit of a unique sound! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "Sw": This part is fairly straightforward. It sounds like the "sw" in "swim" or "sword."
  • "a": This is a short, open "a" sound, like in the word "father." Think of it as slightly broader than the "a" in "cat."
  • "llow": This is where it gets tricky. The "ll" in English doesn’t have a single, distinct sound. Instead, it creates a kind of blended sound.

2. The "llow" Sound - The Key!

  • The most common and accepted pronunciation is to make the "llow" sound like the "ow" in "cow". This is crucial.
  • You’re essentially gliding from a short "a" sound to an "ow" sound. It’s a smooth transition.

3. Putting it all together:

The whole word, "swallow," sounds like: "swah-low" (with the emphasis on the first syllable - "swah").

Tips & Resources:

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken. Here are some helpful links:

  • Practice: Say it repeatedly, focusing on the "swah-low" sound. Record yourself and compare it to the examples.

  • Don't say "slow-all": Many people incorrectly pronounce it as "slow-all." The "ll" is not pronounced as a separate "l."

Would you like me to:

  • Break it down even further?
  • Give you some practice sentences?

Usage and examples with the word swallow in English

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

1. Literal Meaning: To Consume Food/Liquid

  • Definition: To take something into your mouth and chew and swallow it.
  • Examples:
    • "I swallowed my breakfast quickly before the meeting."
    • "He swallowed a large piece of steak."
    • "She choked and almost swallowed her water."
    • "They enjoyed the delicious soup, taking slow, deliberate swallows."

2. Figurative Meanings – Transition & Acceptance

This is where "swallow" gets interesting and more poetic. It often describes a sudden, often overwhelming, acceptance of something – ideas, feelings, circumstances.

  • a) To Accept Something Unpleasantly: This is the most common figurative use.

    • Definition: To accept something difficult, unpleasant, or unwelcome, often without resistance. It suggests a sense of resignation or being overcome.
    • Examples:
      • "I swallowed my disappointment when they canceled the trip." (meaning: I accepted the disappointment, even though it was upsetting)
      • "He swallowed his anger and agreed with her." (meaning: He suppressed his anger and agreed)
      • "She swallowed her tears and continued her speech." (meaning: She held back her tears and carried on)
      • "The company swallowed its losses and moved on." (meaning: The company accepted the financial losses and proceeded)

  • b) To Surrender (To an Idea/Influence): Similar to above, but more about internal surrender.

    • Definition: To give in to an idea or influence, allowing it to take hold.
    • Examples:
      • "He swallowed their propaganda and became a believer." (meaning: He accepted their ideas without questioning them)
      • "She swallowed the romantic notion of true love." (meaning: She gave up on the ideal of perfect love)

3. Animal Behavior (Birds)

  • Definition: To ingest food by rapidly propelling it down the throat.
  • Examples:
    • "The swallow swooped down and caught a fly in mid-air."
    • "Swallows are known for their incredible aerial acrobatics as they swallow their food."

4. Slang/Informal (Rare)

  • Definition: (Very informal) – To quickly and secretly take something (often money). - This usage is less common and can be considered slightly shady.
    • Example: "He swallowed the cash and ran out of the store." (Be careful using this – it suggests theft).

Key Nuances and Tips:

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "swallow" is almost entirely determined by the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation.
  • Tone: The figurative use of "swallow" often has a slightly melancholy or resigned tone. It suggests something is being suppressed or overcome.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the specific meaning, synonyms include: accept, concede, endure, bear, take, surrender, overcome.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "swallow"? (e.g., "I want to use it in a sentence about accepting a difficult decision," or "I'm writing a poem and need a good way to describe a bird.")

Synonyms for the word swallow

Idioms of the word swallow

a bitter pill (for somebody) (to swallow)
a fact or an event that is unpleasant and difficult to accept
  • The election defeat was a bitter pill for the party to swallow.
like the cat that got/ate/swallowed the canary
very pleased with yourself
  • She looked like a cat that’s swallowed the canary. She was almost purring with pleasure.

Practice with vocabulary swallow

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the surgery, the patient found it challenging to _______ solid foods.
  2. Marine organisms often _______ microplastics, which then enter the food chain.
  3. He had to _______ his pride and apologize for his outburst.
  4. Employees are expected to _______ minor inconveniences with professionalism.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which words describe the act of accepting an unpalatable truth or a difficult situation without protest? A) Gulp B) Endure C) Swallow D) Digest
  2. What action is typically required when taking a pill or a liquid medication? A) Chew B) Inhale C) Swallow D) Absorb
  3. Which of the following phrases are synonymous with or directly imply the action of having to "swallow one's words"? A) Recant a statement B) Express regret C) Mumble incoherently D) Retract a claim
  4. Which verbs denote the act of passively accepting or tolerating an unpleasant situation without resistance? A) Embrace B) Acquiesce C) Endure D) Confront
  5. When a creature takes food or drink into its body, which terms accurately describe this biological process? A) Excrete B) Ingest C) Digest D) Consume

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The board reluctantly agreed to the unfavorable terms of the merger. (Rewrite using a form of "swallow".)
  2. Despite her anger, she managed to keep her feelings hidden during the negotiation. (Rewrite using a form of "swallow".)
  3. The young bird quickly ate the worm its parent brought. (Rewrite without using "swallow".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. swallow
  2. ingest
  3. swallow
  4. bear

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) Endure, C) Swallow, D) Digest
  2. C) Swallow
  3. A) Recant a statement, B) Express regret, D) Retract a claim
  4. B) Acquiesce, C) Endure
  5. B) Ingest, D) Consume

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The board had to swallow the unfavorable terms of the merger.
  2. Despite her anger, she managed to swallow her feelings during the negotiation.
  3. The young bird quickly ingested the worm its parent brought.

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