What is urge? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of urge

urgeverb

/əːdʒ/
Definition & pronunciation of urge

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ɝdʒ/ (rhymes with "bird")

Let's break that down further:

  1. "Ur": The "ur" sound is often difficult. Think of a very short, quick "er" sound after a very short "uh" sound. It's similar to the "er" in "bird" or "her," but significantly shorter and more clipped. It's NOT like the "ur" in "hurt."

  2. "ge": The "ge" is pronounced like the "j" in "judge."

Putting it together:

Say it slowly: "Ur-j" (emphasize the "r" and keep the "ur" very quick).

Here are some tips and things to avoid:

  • Don't lengthen the "ur" sound: Many people tend to say "utter-ge," which is incorrect. Keep it very short and punchy.
  • Don't add an extra "uh": Don't say "uh-urge."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to get it right is to hear it. Here are a few resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce urge" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/urge/ - This website provides pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce urge" on YouTube.

To summarize: /ɝdʒ/ (like "bird")

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
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Usage and examples with the word urge in English

Let's break down how to use the word "urge" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances. Here's a breakdown of its meanings and how to use it in sentences:

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage): To Strongly Encourage or Impel

  • Meaning: To strongly encourage someone to do something; to press them to act. It implies a feeling of compelling need or desire.
  • Synonyms: encourage, persuade, prompt, motivate, incite, stimulate
  • Examples:
    • "The doctor urged him to quit smoking." (He strongly encouraged him to stop.)
    • "She felt an urge to travel and explore new cultures." (She had a strong desire to travel.)
    • "I urged my team to work harder to meet the deadline." (I strongly encouraged them to work harder.)
    • "The advertisement urged shoppers to buy the new product." (The ad strongly encouraged shoppers.)

2. As a Noun: A Strong Desire or Impulse

  • Meaning: A sudden, powerful feeling or desire to do something. It's often instinctive.
  • Synonyms: impulse, desire, craving, longing, inclination
  • Examples:
    • "He had an urge to dance." (He suddenly felt a strong desire to dance.)
    • "She suffered from an overwhelming urge to confess her feelings." (She felt a powerful, compelling need to confess.)
    • "The child’s urge to play was irresistible." (The child's desire to play was strong and hard to resist.)

3. "Urge" used in Phrases:

  • "Under the urge of...": Meaning “influenced by” or “driven by”.

    • "Under the urge of desperation, he made a risky decision."

  • "To urge someone forward": To help someone progress or move ahead.

    • "The coach urged his team forward with encouraging words."

  • "To be urged to do something": To be compelled or strongly encouraged to do something.

    • "She was urged to attend the meeting."

Here's how to think about choosing the right form ("urge" as a verb or noun):

  • Verb: Use it when you're describing your action – encouraging someone else to do something.
  • Noun: Use it when you're describing your feeling – the desire or impulse you are experiencing.

Tips for Using "Urge" Effectively:

  • Strong language: "Urge" conveys a powerful feeling, so don’t use it lightly. It's stronger than simply "encourage."
  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words and sentence to understand the precise meaning.
  • Variations: Consider alternatives like "motivate," "prompt," or "instigate" if "urge" feels too forceful.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "urge" in different contexts?
  • Compare "urge" with similar words (like "persuade" or "encourage")?
  • Give you a sentence for you to practice using "urge"?

Synonyms for the word urge

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