What is system? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of system

systemnoun

/ˈsɪstɪm/
Definition & pronunciation of system

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "system" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and it's helpful to know both!

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈsɪstəm (This is the one you'll hear most often in the US)
    • ˈsɪ - Sounds like "sit" (as in "sit down")
    • st - Pronounced like the 'st' in "stop"
    • əm - Sounds like "um" (a short, unstressed vowel sound)

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • sɪˈstəm (This is common in the UK)
    • sɪ - Sounds like "sit"
    • ˈstəm - Sounds like "stem" - with a slightly more emphasized 'st'

Here's a breakdown of the key differences:

Feature American English British English
Emphasis On the first syllable (ˈsɪstəm) On the second syllable (sɪˈstəm)
Second Syllable Short "um" sound More pronounced "stem" sound

Resources to Hear the Pronunciation:

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  • Where are you located (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word system in English

Let's break down how to use the word "system" in English. It's a very versatile word with a lot of different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Collection of Interconnected Parts:

  • The most common meaning: This refers to a group of things working together as a functional unit. Think of it like a machine with different parts that need to work in harmony.
    • Example: "The human body is a complex system of organs." (Referring to the circulatory, digestive, respiratory, etc. systems)
    • Example: "Our school has a new attendance system with online check-in."
    • Example: "The solar system consists of the sun and eight planets."

2. As a Process or Method:

  • A structured way of doing something: This describes a particular way of operating or functioning.
    • Example: "A good filing system is essential for office productivity."
    • Example: "The company implemented a new customer service system."
    • Example: "He developed a system for solving math problems."

3. In Computer Science & Technology:

  • Digital Networks & Programs: "System" often refers to computer hardware and software working together.
    • Example: "The operating system controls the computer's functions." (Windows, macOS, Linux)
    • Example: “The system crashed after a software update.”
    • Example: “He’s a network system administrator.”

4. Figurative Usage - Social & Political Systems:

  • Social Structures & Rules: “System” can describe broader societal structures, often implying that these structures are rigid or controlling.
    • Example: "The criminal system is often criticized for being biased." (The legal system)
    • Example: "There’s a pressure to conform to the social system." (Referring to social norms and expectations)
    • Example: "The political system needs reform." (The government and its processes)

5. Other Common Uses:

  • A Method of Organization: "The filing system" (as mentioned above).
  • A particular method or organization: "He has a strict system for managing his time.”
  • A means of doing something: “This is a reliable system for getting information.”

Here's how to choose the right meaning:

  • Context is key! The surrounding words and the overall topic will usually tell you what "system" means in that specific case.
  • Think about interconnectedness: Does it refer to a group of things working together? If so, it’s likely the first definition.
  • Look for specific processes: Is it describing a way of doing something? That suggests the second definition.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What are you trying to use the word "system" in? (e.g., a sentence, an essay, a conversation?)
  • What is the general topic you're discussing? (e.g., computers, business, health, society?)

Synonyms for the word system

Idioms of the word system

all systems go
(informal)used to say that everything is working well or that everything is ready for something to happen or be successful
  • The firm struggled to generate much business at the start, but now it's all systems go.
  • Last weekend's heavy snowfall means it's all systems go for the ski season.
get something out of your system
(informal)to do something so that you no longer feel a very strong emotion or have a strong desire
  • I was very angry with him, but now I feel I've got it out of my system.

Practice with vocabulary system

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The company implemented a new _____ for tracking inventory, which significantly reduced errors and improved efficiency.
  2. Scientists are studying the complex ecological _____ of the Amazon rainforest to understand biodiversity.
  3. To ensure consistent quality, every product undergoes a rigorous inspection _____ before being cleared for shipment.
  4. The new project's organizational _____ was designed to foster better cross-departmental collaboration and communication.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following best describes a set of interconnected parts working together as a whole to achieve a specific function? A) mechanism B) approach C) system D) technique

  2. Which term(s) can refer to the entire framework of processes, procedures, and technology used to manage data in a large organization? A) infrastructure B) system C) network D) platform

  3. Which word is commonly used in biology to describe the interconnected physiological functions within a living organism? A) arrangement B) organism C) system D) composition

  4. Which word refers to a series of actions or steps taken in a particular order to accomplish a task, especially in a formal context? A) guideline B) procedure C) standard D) strategy

  5. Which term is used to describe the basic structure or conceptual framework underlying a plan, idea, or an organized body of knowledge? A) approach B) foundation C) framework D) paradigm

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The organization needs a more methodical way of handling customer complaints to improve satisfaction.

    • (Rewrite using "system" or a related word form.)

  2. The company plans to put in place a new set of rules and technologies to manage its supply chain from sourcing to delivery.

    • (Rewrite using "system" or a related word form.)

  3. We must follow a specific sequence of steps carefully to ensure the software installation is successful without errors.

    • (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, do not use "system".)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. system
  2. system
  3. process
  4. structure

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) system
  2. B) system
  3. C) system
  4. B) procedure
  5. C) framework

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The organization needs to develop a more systematic approach to handling customer complaints to improve satisfaction.
  2. The company plans to implement a new supply chain management system from sourcing to delivery.
  3. We must adhere to a specific procedure carefully to ensure the software installation is successful without errors.

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