What is temperature? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of temperature

temperaturenoun

/ˈtɛmprɪtʃə/
Definition & pronunciation of temperature

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

1. Syllables:

The word "temperature" is actually two words combined: "tem-" and "-perature."

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • "Tem-" (the first part): This is pronounced like "tem" as in "tempt" but shorter and with a bit more emphasis on the "t." It's a quick, almost clipped sound. Think of it as "tem" with a slightly harder 't' sound.

  • "-perature": This is where it gets a little tricky. Here's the key:

    • "Per": Pronounced like "pair" (as in, "a pair of shoes"). It’s a short, sharp “pair” sound.
    • "A": Pronounced like "a" as in "apple."
    • "Ture": This is the tricky part. It's pronounced like "tyoo-r." It’s almost like you're slightly elongating the "oo" sound, and adding a soft "r" at the end. Don't say "tur".

3. Putting it all together:

The whole word is pronounced: tem-PAIR-a-tyoo-r

(tem - pair - a - tyoo-r)

4. Tips and Tricks:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it! Search for “temperature pronunciation” on YouTube or use a dictionary like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary that has audio examples.
  • Focus on the "tyoo-r" sound: This is the most challenging part and where many learners stumble. Practice saying "tyoo-r" slowly and deliberately.
  • Don't stress the "a": It’s a short, quick sound.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker's pronunciation.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Break down any particular part of the word you're struggling with?

Usage and examples with the word temperature in English

Let's break down how to use the word "temperature" in English. It's a versatile word with many applications!

1. Basic Definition: Measure of Heat

At its core, “temperature” refers to a measure of how hot or cold something is. It’s a fundamental concept in science and everyday life.

  • Example: "The temperature outside is 25 degrees Celsius."
  • Example: “The oven’s temperature needs to be set to 350°F.”

2. Different Contexts & Uses:

Here's how you can use "temperature" in various situations:

  • Weather/Climate: This is the most common use.

    • "What’s the temperature today?"
    • "The temperature is dropping.”
    • “This summer is unusually hot; the temperatures are soaring."
    • "Global temperatures are rising due to climate change."

  • Science & Measurement: Used in scientific contexts for measuring heat.

    • "The temperature of the water was 80 degrees Fahrenheit."
    • “Scientists are studying the temperature variations in the Earth's core.”
    • "Thermometers are used to measure temperature."

  • Electronics & Technology:

    • "The CPU temperature is too high; the computer is overheating."
    • "The temperature sensor detected a malfunction.”

  • Body Temperature: Refers to a person’s internal heat.

    • "She has a temperature of 101°F." (meaning she's feverish)
    • "Check his temperature regularly if he’s feeling unwell."

  • Food & Cooking:

    • "The steak needs to cook at a precise temperature."
    • "Don’t let the soup boil; maintain a low temperature."

  • Materials & Processes:

    • "The temperature of the steel needs to be controlled during the forging process."
    • "This paint hardens at a specific temperature."

3. Forms of the Word:

  • Temperature (noun): The main word we're discussing.
  • Temperatures (plural noun): “The temperatures are all over the place.”
  • To temper (verb): To moderate or calm something (e.g., "Temper your criticism," "Temper the wine"). This is a distinct meaning.
  • Temperature control (noun phrase): "Precise temperature control is crucial for this experiment."

4. Useful Phrases & Expressions:

  • Reach a certain temperature: “The milk reached 212°F (boiling point).”
  • Above/Below temperature: “The air temperature is below freezing.”
  • Temperature range: “The recommended temperature range for this plant is 65-75°F.”
  • Stable temperature: “Maintain a stable temperature for optimal results.”
  • Fluctuating temperature: “The temperature is fluctuating wildly.”

5. Level of Formality:

“Temperature” is generally a formal word. You'll hear it used in news reports, scientific papers, and technical discussions. In casual conversation, you might use simpler phrases like "hot," "cold," or "warm."

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

  • What kind of context are you interested in? (e.g., talking about the weather, cooking, a specific scientific field?)
  • Are you trying to use "temperature" in a particular sentence or situation?

Synonyms for the word temperature

Idioms of the word temperature

raise/lower the temperature
to increase/decrease the amount of excitement, emotion, etc. in a situation
  • His angry refusal to agree raised the temperature of the meeting.
  • The government tried to lower the political temperature by agreeing to some of the demands.

Practice with vocabulary temperature

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The optimal environmental ______ for storing perishable goods is carefully regulated.
  2. Scientists monitor global average ______ to track climate change patterns.
  3. High atmospheric ______ can exacerbate the effects of extreme heat on the human body.
  4. After hours of direct sunlight, the pavement emitted an intense ______ that distorted the air above it.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of these factors is routinely monitored in a data center to prevent equipment failure? a) Illumination levels b) Ambient temperature c) Network bandwidth d) Server uptime

  2. When a doctor takes a patient's vital signs, which measurement directly assesses their internal warmth? a) Blood pressure b) Heart rate c) Body temperature d) Respiration rate

  3. Which of the following describes the degree of hotness or coldness of a substance or environment? a) Pressure b) Volume c) Mass d) Temperature

  4. Which of these typically indicates an elevated body warmth due to illness? a) Hypothermia b) Fever c) Dehydration d) Inflammation

  5. The sensation of feeling cold, often accompanied by shivering, is known as a ______. a) Warmth b) Heatwave c) Chill d) Swelter

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The engineers said the machinery was running too hot.

    • Rewrite using "temperature" or a related word form:

  2. For optimal plant growth, one must regularly check how warm the soil is.

    • Rewrite using "temperature" or a related word form:

  3. It was extremely cold outside, causing the pipes to freeze.

    • Rewrite using a suitable replacement word instead of "temperature" or its related forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. temperature
  2. temperatures
  3. humidity
  4. heat

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Ambient temperature
  2. c) Body temperature
  3. d) Temperature
  4. b) Fever
  5. c) Chill

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The engineers reported that the machinery was operating at an excessively high temperature.
  2. For optimal plant growth, one must regularly monitor the soil temperature.
  3. The freezing conditions outside caused the pipes to freeze.

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