What is target? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of target

targetnoun/verb

/ˈtɑːɡɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of target

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "target" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, and they both sound pretty good!

1. The Most Common American Pronunciation:

  • ˈtɑːrɡət (This is the one you'll hear most often)
    • ˈtɑːr - The first syllable is pronounced like "tar" (as in "tar" in tar road). The "a" is a broad, open "ah" sound.
    • ɡət - The second syllable is pronounced like "get" with a "g" sound. The "ə" is a short "uh" sound – a schwa sound (like the "a" in "about").

2. The British Pronunciation:

  • ˈtɑːrɡət (Similar to the American pronunciation, but with a slight difference)
    • The "a" in "tar" can be a little more clipped and precise.
    • Some Brits might slightly shorten the “uh” sound in “get”.

Resources to help you hear it:

To summarize: Think of the first syllable as “tar” and the second syllable as “get.” Good luck!

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "target"?

Usage and examples with the word target in English

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

1. As a Noun – Something to Aim At:

  • Physical Target: This is the most common understanding. It's something you're aiming at, like with a bow and arrow, a dart, or a shooting gun.

    • Example: “He aimed carefully and fired at the target.”
    • Example: “The dartboard had a small red target in the center.”

  • Goal or Objective: This is a key meaning – something you’re trying to achieve.

    • Example: “Our target for this quarter is to increase sales by 10%.”
    • Example: “Her target is to become a doctor.”
    • Example: “The company’s target market is young adults.”

  • Person or Group to Attack (often negative): This meaning carries a serious connotation.

    • Example: “The terrorists’ target was the airport.”
    • Example: “The politician’s comments were clearly aimed at a specific target group.” (Often implying a vulnerable or marginalized group)

2. As a Verb – To Aim At / To Focus On:

  • To Aim: Similar to the noun meaning.

    • Example: “The sniper targeted the enemy soldier.”
    • Example: "The missile targeted a military installation."

  • To Focus On / To Direct Efforts Towards: This means to concentrate your efforts on something.

    • Example: “The police are targeting criminals in the area.” (They’re focusing on catching criminals).
    • Example: “They’re targeting new customers through social media advertising.” (They're directing their advertising efforts.)

3. Figurative Meanings:

  • To Criticize or Attack (Indirectly): Sometimes “target” is used metaphorically to describe criticism.

    • Example: “The journalist targeted the CEO with a series of investigative articles.”

  • To Select for Treatment (Medicine): In medical contexts, it can refer to a specific area to be treated.

    • Example: “The radiation therapy targeted the cancerous tumor.”

Here’s a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Physical thing to aim at “The archery target was worn.”
Noun Goal or objective “Our sales target is $1 million.”
Noun Person/group to attack (serious) “The city was targeted by the storm.”
Verb To aim “The hunter targeted the deer.”
Verb To focus on “The company is targeting innovation.”

Tips for Using "Target" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “target” is almost always clear from the context of the sentence.
  • Be Aware of Tone: The “person/group to attack” meaning can be very negative, so be mindful of how it’s used.
  • Synonyms: Consider synonyms like "goal," "objective," “aim,” or "focus" to add variety to your language.

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., business, sports, general conversation?)
  • Are there any specific examples you’d like me to explain in more detail?

Synonyms for the word target

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