What is vacuum? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of vacuum

vacuumnoun

/ˈvækjuːm//ˈvækjuːm/
Definition & pronunciation of vacuum

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

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈvækjuːm/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "Vac" - /ˈvæk

    • "V" is pronounced like the "v" in "very."
    • "ac" is pronounced like "ack" (as in "attack"). It’s a short, quick sound.

  2. "uum" - /juːm/

    • "u" is pronounced like the "oo" in "moon" or "blue."
    • "m" is pronounced like a regular "m."

Putting it together: Say it quickly as "VACK-yoom."

Common Mispronunciations & Why They're Wrong:

  • "vac-u-um" (with extra "u") - This is a very common mistake. The second "u" isn’t pronounced.
  • "va-kwi-um" - Adding "wi" is incorrect.

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word vacuum in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vacuum" – it has several distinct meanings! Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Verb (Cleaning):

  • Meaning: To clean something with a vacuum cleaner. This is the most common usage.
  • Examples:
    • "I need to vacuum the rug this weekend."
    • "She vacuumed the floor every morning."
    • "Don’t forget to vacuum the car's upholstery."

2. As a Noun (Cleaning Appliance):

  • Meaning: The machine used to clean by suction.
  • Examples:
    • "I bought a new vacuum cleaner last week."
    • "He plugged the vacuum into the wall."
    • "Is that a canister or a stick vacuum?"

3. As a Noun (Physics/Science - a region devoid of matter):

  • Meaning: An area completely empty of air or particles. This is a more technical usage. Think of outer space.
  • Examples:
    • "The spacecraft created a vacuum around itself."
    • "Scientists are trying to create a vacuum in the lab."
    • "The solar system is mostly a vacuum."

4. As a Noun (Medical - a surgical procedure):

  • Meaning: A surgical procedure to create a vacuum within the body, often used to drain fluid or tissue.
  • Examples:
    • “The doctor performed a vacuum aspiration to remove the unwanted pregnancy." (This is a sensitive topic, so use it carefully.)

5. As a Noun (Figurative - to absorb or draw something in):

  • Meaning: To absorb or draw in something, often information or attention. This is a less common, more metaphorical usage.
  • Examples:
    • "The scandal vacuumed up all the news coverage." (The scandal absorbed all the attention)
    • “His personality vacuumed in all the conversation.” (He dominated the conversation)

Here's a quick table summarizing the different meanings:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To clean with a vacuum "I’ll vacuum the living room."
Noun Cleaning appliance "That’s a powerful vacuum!"
Noun Empty space “The astronauts explored the vacuum.”
Noun Surgical procedure “She had a vacuum aspiration.”
Noun Draw in/absorb “The media vacuumed up the story.”

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

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "vacuum"? (e.g., talking about housework, a science discussion, a news article, etc.)

Synonyms for the word vacuum

Practice with vocabulary vacuum

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The experiment required a near-perfect ______ to prevent any air interference with the sensitive measurements.
  2. Following the sudden resignation of the department head, a leadership ______ emerged, causing temporary uncertainty among the team.
  3. For optimal performance, ensure the medical device's ______ port is free from obstructions to maintain consistent flow.
  4. The consultant identified a significant ______ in the company's cybersecurity protocols, necessitating immediate action.

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

  1. Which term accurately describes a space from which most, if not all, matter has been removed, creating extremely low pressure? A) compressed air B) atmosphere C) vacuum D) pressurized zone

  2. The sudden withdrawal of a major sponsor created a financial ______ that the non-profit struggled to fill, impacting several key programs. A) surplus B) vacuum C) gap D) void

  3. To ensure the office carpets remain spotless and hygienic, facility management schedules regular ______ sessions using commercial-grade equipment. A) polishing B) mopping C) scrubbing D) vacuuming

  4. The industrial machine uses powerful ______ to securely hold large sheets of metal in place during precision cutting. A) pressure B) expulsion C) suction D) compression

  5. Her prolonged ______ from the critical project meetings was noted by all attendees and caused delays in decision-making. A) presence B) participation C) attendance D) absence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The cleaning staff uses a powerful machine to remove dust and debris from the carpets every evening. (Use "vacuum" or a related word form)
  2. The lack of clear guidelines led to a period of uncertainty and instability within the project team's structure. (Use "vacuum" or a related word form)
  3. The researchers created a space completely empty of air particles for their intricate experiment. (Do NOT use "vacuum", use a suitable replacement word)

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. vacuum
  2. vacuum
  3. suction
  4. gap

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) vacuum
  2. B) vacuum, C) gap, D) void
  3. D) vacuuming
  4. C) suction
  5. D) absence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The cleaning staff vacuums the carpets thoroughly to remove dust and debris every evening. (Alternatively: The cleaning staff uses a powerful vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris from the carpets every evening.)
  2. The lack of clear guidelines created a vacuum of leadership, leading to a period of uncertainty and instability within the project team's structure.
  3. The researchers created a complete void of air particles for their intricate experiment.

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