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.

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