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

Practice with vocabulary urge

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The government plans to ________ citizens to adopt more sustainable travel habits.
  2. The committee decided to ________ the proposal until further research could be conducted.
  3. Despite her rational judgment, she felt an inexplicable ________ to check her phone one last time.
  4. Effective communication is crucial for a team to ________ its project goals efficiently.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. The CEO felt a strong internal ________ to address the employee concerns directly. A) desire B) impulse C) urge D) command

  2. Environmental organizations ________ governments worldwide to enact stricter climate change policies. A) compel B) encourage C) insist D) urge

  3. Despite the risks, she couldn't ignore the powerful ________ to explore the ancient ruins. A) inclination B) attraction C) aversion D) urge

  4. The manager decided to ________ the meeting to next Tuesday due to unforeseen circumstances. A) postpone B) expedite C) cancel D) advance

  5. The team needs to ________ its efforts if they want to meet the tight deadline. A) amplify B) intensify C) diminish D) dilute

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The committee strongly suggested that the board approve the new budget plan. (Rewrite using "urge" or a related word form.)

  2. She had a sudden, strong feeling that she needed to call her brother immediately. (Rewrite using "urge" or a related word form.)

  3. It is essential for employees to maintain open communication with their supervisors. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word for "essential" without using "urge" or its forms.)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. urge
  2. postpone
  3. urge
  4. achieve

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A) desire, B) impulse, C) urge
  2. B) encourage, D) urge
  3. A) inclination, B) attraction, D) urge
  4. A) postpone
  5. A) amplify, B) intensify

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The committee urged the board to approve the new budget plan.
  2. She felt a sudden urge to call her brother immediately.
  3. It is crucial for employees to maintain open communication with their supervisors.

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