What is turbid? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of turbid

turbidadjective

/ˈtɜːbɪd//ˈtɜːrbɪd/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "turbid." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables: The word is divided into two syllables:

  • tur - like the word "tour"
  • bid - like the word "bid"

2. Sounds:

  • "Tur": This is relatively straightforward. Say "tur" as in "tour." The "t" is hard, as in "top."
  • "Bid": This is where people often stumble. It’s not like the word “bid” as in “make a bid.” It's closer to "beet." Think of the "ee" sound in "beet" but with a very quick, almost silent "t" drop before it. It’s almost like "beet-id." (The "id" is a short "i" sound, like in "it").

3. Putting it together: Say it slowly: "Tur-bid." The emphasis is on the first syllable ("tur").

4. A helpful mnemonic: Think of "Tur-bid" as sounding like "tour-beet."

Here’s a breakdown of the sounds as a quick reference:

  • t - as in “top”
  • u - as in “tour”
  • r - as in "run"
  • b - as in “ball”
  • i - as in "bit" (short “i” sound)
  • d - as in “dog”

Resources for Hearing It:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you another example word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word turbid in English

Let's break down how to use the word "turbid." It's a wonderfully descriptive word, but it can be a bit tricky for some learners.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Turbid means cloudy or murky, especially with suspended particles. It describes something that’s not clear and has a hazy appearance. Think of it as being filled with something that scatters light.

2. Where You'll Find It - Common Uses:

  • Water: This is the most common context.

    • "The river was turbid after the heavy rains, making it impossible to see the bottom."
    • "The lake water became turbid due to algae blooms."
    • "He searched for the turbid water where the stream disappeared underground."

  • Air/Smoke: It can describe hazy air, especially when filled with smoke or dust.

    • "The air hung turbid with the smell of wood smoke."
    • “A turbid fog rolled in, reducing visibility to near zero.”

  • Liquids (other than water): It can apply to other liquids if they're cloudy.

    • "The wine had a slightly turbid appearance, suggesting it hadn’t been filtered properly." (This often indicates sediment settling.)

  • Figurative Usage (Less Common): Sometimes used metaphorically to describe something complex, confusing, or unclear in thought or emotion. This is less frequent and requires careful consideration.

    • "His explanations were turbid, filled with jargon and irrelevant details." (Meaning confusing and hard to understand.)

3. Synonyms:

Here are some words that can be used instead of "turbid," depending on the nuance you want to convey:

  • Murky: Similar to turbid, often used for water.
  • Cloudy: A general term for not being clear.
  • Opalescent: Having a milky or iridescent appearance (but less about suspended particles).
  • Hazy: Suggests a diffuse, blurred appearance.
  • Frothy: If there's a lot of foam or bubbles that are obscuring the view.
  • Milky: Specifically for a white, cloudy appearance.

4. Example Sentences (Varied):

  • "The fisherman abandoned his efforts when the water became too turbid to cast his net."
  • “The old photograph had a turbid quality, obscuring the faces of the people in it.”
  • “After the mudslide, the road was turbid with debris.”
  • “She felt a turbid feeling of anxiety building within her.” (Figurative – meaning unsettling and difficult to pinpoint)

5. How to Remember It:

Think of “turbid” as relating to the word “turbulent.” Turbid water is like turbulent water – disturbed and not clear; it has something suspended within it.

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

  • What context are you trying to use "turbid" in? (e.g., describing water, writing a story, etc.)

Synonyms for the word turbid

Practice with vocabulary turbid

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The recent downpour caused the river to become extremely ____________, making it impossible to see the riverbed.
  2. Investigators faced an ____________ situation, with conflicting testimonies and a lack of concrete evidence.
  3. Despite efforts to filter the wastewater, it remained stubbornly ____________, indicating a high concentration of suspended particles.
  4. To ensure the success of the project, all team members must ____________ to the established protocols and guidelines.

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

  1. Which of the following describes water that is cloudy due to suspended sediment? a) transparent b) crystalline c) turbid d) limpid e) clear

  2. A consultant presented a report with a rather ____________ analysis, failing to provide clear recommendations. a) incisive b) lucid c) convoluted d) straightforward e) perplexing

  3. If a chemical solution is described as having high turbidity, it means it is: a) perfectly translucent b) free of any impurities c) opaque d) difficult to see through e) characterized by clarity

  4. Which of these words would best describe a situation that lacks clarity or is confusing? a) unambiguous b) equivocal c) explicit d) obscure e) straightforward

  5. After the storm, the lake's surface became extremely ____________ with debris and stirred-up mud. a) pristine b) sparkling c) murky d) turbid e) unclouded

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The water in the filtration tank was so cloudy that operators couldn't monitor the purification process effectively.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "turbid."

  2. His explanation of the complex economic theory was unclear and difficult to grasp, leaving the audience confused.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement for "unclear" (do not use "turbid").

  3. After the intense construction activity nearby, the usually clear stream developed a hazy appearance due to fine suspended particles.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "turbid."

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. turbid
  2. ambiguous
  3. turbid
  4. adhere

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) turbid
  2. c) convoluted, e) perplexing
  3. c) opaque, d) difficult to see through
  4. b) equivocal, d) obscure
  5. c) murky, d) turbid

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The water in the filtration tank was so turbid that operators couldn't effectively monitor the purification process.
  2. His obscure explanation of the complex economic theory left the audience confused and unable to grasp the concepts.
  3. The usually clear stream became turbid with fine suspended particles after the intense construction activity nearby.

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