What is united? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of united

unitedadjective

/juːˈnʌɪtɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of united

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "United." It's a bit tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common pronunciation is:

  • /juːˈnaɪtɪd/ (pronounced: yoo-NAY-eed)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • yoo: Like the "you" in "you are." It's a short, clear "y" sound.
  • NAY: Like the name "nay" – a strong, clear "ay" sound, like in "say."
  • eed: Like the "eed" in "need" or "feed." It's a short "ee" sound.

Important Notes and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "uhn." Many people naturally say "uhn-ited," but that's incorrect. The "u" is silent.
  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("NAY").
  • Rhyme: It's not quite a rhyme with "united" but it's close to "light."

Resources to Check Out:

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Usage and examples with the word united in English

Let's break down how to use the word "united" in English. It's a powerful word with a few different nuances. Here's a breakdown of its meanings, uses, and how to incorporate it into your writing and speech:

1. Core Meaning: Combined as One

At its most fundamental, "united" means joined together as a single, cohesive unit. It implies a sense of harmony and agreement.

  • Example: "The countries were united in their determination to fight for freedom." (They worked together)
  • Example: "After the merger, the two companies became united under a single brand." (They combined their resources and identity)

2. Common Usage – As an Adjective

This is the most frequent way to use "united." It describes something that is combined or joined.

  • Describing People: “The united front of the opposition party meant they were very effective.”
  • Describing Groups/Organizations: “The united nations are working to address climate change.”
  • Describing Ideas/Goals: "The team worked together to achieve a united vision for the project."
  • Describing Emotions/Feelings: “They felt united in their grief.”

3. As a Verb – To Join Together

“United” can also be used as a verb, meaning to come together as a single whole.

  • Example: “The protesters united in a march to demonstrate their concerns.” (They came together to march)
  • Example: "The refugees united to build a new home for themselves." (They joined together to build.)

4. Figurative Uses – Beyond Literal Combination

“United” often carries a deeper meaning, suggesting a shared identity, purpose, or feeling.

  • “United States”: This is a classic example – referencing the joining together of different states.
  • “United Kingdom”: Similarly, a combination of different regions.
  • “United States of America”: Formal name emphasizing the union of states.
  • “United Front”: (Idiom) A show of support where groups or individuals present a single, cohesive appearance.

5. Phrases with "United"

  • United States: The country formed by the joining of states.
  • United Kingdom: The country formed by the joining of various regions.
  • United Nations: The international organization of countries.
  • United front: A show of solidarity and agreement.
  • United effort: A collaborative attempt to achieve a goal.

Tips for Using "United" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "united" depends heavily on the surrounding words.
  • Show, don’t just tell: Instead of simply saying "They were united," describe how they worked together. ("They brainstormed ideas for hours, constantly building on each other’s suggestions.")
  • Consider synonyms: Sometimes "joined," "combined," "cooperative," or "collaborative" might be a better fit for a specific nuance.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., business, politics, personal relationships)?
  • Help you understand how it compares to similar words like "joined" or "combined"?
  • Provide a writing exercise using "united"?

Synonyms for the word united

Idioms of the word united

form, present, etc. a united front
to show people that all members of a group have the same opinion about things
  • The prime minister stressed the need to present a united front.

Practice with vocabulary united

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After the successful negotiation, all the stakeholders were fully ________ in their commitment to the new project timeline.
  2. The company's diverse departments must work as a ________ force to achieve global market leadership.
  3. The marketing and sales teams have ________ their efforts to launch the new product successfully next quarter.
  4. Despite their cultural differences, the two nations found common ground and decided to ________ their diplomatic ties.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) best describe a situation where diverse groups come together with a single, shared purpose? a) separated b) united c) dispersed d) fragmented e) cohesive

  2. To successfully address the complex challenges of climate change, global leaders must be ________ in their strategies and actions. a) divided b) unified c) collaborative d) individualistic e) collective

  3. When several companies form a single entity, often to gain a competitive advantage, they can be described as having: a) diverged b) merged c) split d) consolidated e) united

  4. The team's success was largely due to its members' ability to work together effectively and seamlessly. Which word best captures this aspect? a) contentious b) disharmonious c) integrated d) alienated e) cooperative

  5. The research project required experts from various fields to exchange ideas and contribute their specialized knowledge. Which action is most appropriate here? a) isolate b) cooperate c) separate d) collaborate e) disconnect

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original sentence: All the members of the community stood together to support the new initiative. Rewrite using "united":
  2. Original sentence: The two rival factions found a common cause, which brought them into agreement. Rewrite using a form of "united":
  3. Original sentence: The different components of the software were made to work together smoothly. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "united" or its forms):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. united
  2. united
  3. combined
  4. strengthen

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) united, e) cohesive
  2. b) unified, c) collaborative, e) collective
  3. b) merged, d) consolidated, e) united
  4. c) integrated, e) cooperative
  5. b) cooperate, d) collaborate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Rewrite using "united": The entire community was united in their support for the new initiative.
  2. Rewrite using a form of "united": A common cause united the two rival factions.
  3. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "united" or its forms): The different components of the software were integrated to work smoothly.

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