What is veto? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of veto

vetonoun

/ˈviːtəʊ//ˈviːtəʊ/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "veto" in English. It’s a tricky one because it's not a word you'll find in a typical English pronunciation guide.

Here's the most common and accepted pronunciation:

veh-TOH

Let's break it down further:

  • veh - sounds like the beginning of the word "vehicle." It's a short, quick "v" sound.
  • TOH - rhymes with "toe." The "t" is softened, almost like an "h" sound.

Key Points:

  • It's NOT "vet-oh." The "e" sound is very short and sounds like the "e" in "bed."
  • The emphasis is on the second syllable ("TOH").

Resources to hear it:

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  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "veto"?

Usage and examples with the word veto in English

Let's break down how to use the word "veto" in English. It's a powerful word with a specific meaning.

1. Core Meaning:

  • Veto means to formally reject a proposal, plan, or action. It's essentially a power to block something from happening. Think of it as a "no" that carries serious weight.

2. Who Uses a Veto?

  • Governments: This is the most common context. A veto is used by a head of state (like a president or monarch) or a legislature (like a parliament) to block a law or policy passed by the other branch.
    • Example: "The President vetoed the bill, arguing it would harm the economy."
  • Organizations (Boards, Committees): Organizations can also have the power to veto decisions made by lower levels.
    • Example: "The board of directors vetoed the company's new marketing campaign, citing budget concerns."
  • Individuals (Rare): Less frequently, an individual might use "veto" to mean to strongly oppose something, like a suggestion or a request. This usage is more informal.
    • Example: "I tried to suggest a different color for the room, but my roommate vetoed the idea." (Here, it implies a firm refusal)

3. Key Phrases & Constructions:

  • "To veto a bill/proposal/motion": This is the most common way to use the word.
    • Example: "The senator vetoed the funding bill."
  • "A veto power": Refers to the authority to veto.
    • Example: "The President’s veto power is a critical check on Congress’s authority."
  • "Withdrew a veto": Means to revoke or cancel a previous veto.
    • Example: "After further consideration, the governor withdrew his veto of the education reform bill."

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Reject
  • Oppose
  • Block
  • Refuse
  • Decline

5. Important Nuances:

  • Constitutional Veto: In some countries (like the United States), the head of state has a constitutional veto, meaning the veto cannot be overridden unless there’s a specific constitutional process (like a supermajority vote in the legislature). This is a key aspect of how the word is often used in political discussions.
  • Pocket Veto: (US specific) A president can pocket veto a bill by simply refusing to sign it and letting it expire after Congress adjourns.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What context are you thinking of when you want to use "veto"? (e.g., politics, business, everyday conversation?)

Synonyms for the word veto

Practice with vocabulary veto

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The President's power to ______ legislation is a crucial check on the legislative branch.
  2. During the UN Security Council meeting, one permanent member threatened to ______ the resolution if it included military intervention.
  3. The board decided to ______ the controversial acquisition, citing significant financial risks.
  4. After weeks of intensive negotiations, the two parties finally managed to ______ an agreement on the new trade policies.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes the act of formally preventing a decision or proposal from being implemented, especially by someone in authority? A. Endorse B. Sanction C. Veto D. Ratify

  2. The company director has the authority to _____ any new project that does not align with the strategic goals. (Select all that apply) A. approve B. block C. implement D. veto E. reject

  3. If a bill passes both houses of Congress but the President does not sign it into law, what specific action might the President take to stop it? A. Endorse it publicly. B. Veto the bill. C. Propose amendments to it. D. Ratify the document.

  4. To completely annul or invalidate a previous ruling or decision is to: A. Affirm B. Uphold C. Nullify D. Concede

  5. The city council decided to _____ the new zoning proposal due to strong public opposition and environmental concerns. A. approve B. endorse C. decline D. confirm

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The head of state has the constitutional right to prevent any new laws from coming into effect. Rewrite using "veto":

  2. Original: The shareholders' strong disapproval effectively stopped the merger from proceeding. Rewrite using a form of "veto":

  3. Original: The committee decided to turn down the application for funding because it lacked sufficient detail. Rewrite using a suitable replacement (do not use "veto"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. veto
  2. veto
  3. reject (or disapprove)
  4. reach (or finalize)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C. Veto
  2. B. block, D. veto, E. reject
  3. B. Veto the bill.
  4. C. Nullify
  5. C. decline

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The head of state has the constitutional right to veto any new laws.
  2. The shareholders effectively vetoed the merger.
  3. The committee decided to reject the application for funding because it lacked sufficient detail.

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