What is vital? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of vital

vitaladjective

/ˈvʌɪtl/
Definition & pronunciation of vital

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "vital." It can be a tricky one for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • vi-TAL: This is the most common and generally accepted pronunciation.

2. Detailed Breakdown:

  • "Vi-" (like "vee"): This is a short, crisp "v" sound. Don't overemphasize it.
  • "ta-" (like "tah"): This is a quick, unstressed "t" sound. It's almost like you're just gliding over it.
  • "-l" (like "l"): A standard "l" sound.

3. Key Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "vay-tal": This is a very common mistake. The "a" sound in "vital" is NOT a long "a" as in "day" or "hay." It's a shorter, more clipped "a" sound, closer to the "a" in "cat."
  • Don't linger on the "t": The "t" sound is quick and almost silent.
  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable ("tal").

4. Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Type "vital" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
  • Forvo: This website has pronunciations by native speakers: https://forvo.com/word/vital/

To help me tailor the explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • Are you concerned about a specific part of the pronunciation (e.g., the vowel sound)?

Usage and examples with the word vital in English

Let's break down how to use the word "vital" in English. It's a powerful word that signifies something absolutely necessary or crucial. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Meaning & Core Definition

  • Vital: Absolutely necessary; essential; crucial. It implies something is fundamental to survival, success, or a process.

2. How to Use It – Grammatical Structure

  • Adjective: This is the most common usage. You’ll almost always use "vital" to describe something – a thing, a process, an element, etc.

    • Example: “Water is vital for human survival.”
    • Example: “Good communication is vital to a successful team.”
    • Example: “Oxygen is vital to the function of our cells.”

3. Common Phrases & Expressions

  • Vital importance: (Most common usage) – Emphasizes how extremely important something is.
    • “The mission has vital importance to national security.”
  • Vital to: – Indicates that something is essential for something else.
    • “Regular exercise is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
    • “Research funding is vital to medical advancements.”
  • Vital signs: (Medical Context) – Refers to measurements indicating the body’s functions (e.g., pulse, blood pressure, temperature). “The doctor checked her vital signs.”
  • Vital role: – Means someone or something plays an essential part.
    • “She played a vital role in the company’s success.”

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings – use them to vary your language)

  • Essential
  • Crucial
  • Necessary
  • Fundamental
  • Critical
  • Imperative
  • Paramount

5. Examples in Different Contexts

  • Business: "Strong leadership is vital for a company's growth."
  • Health: “Proper nutrition is vital for building strong bones.”
  • Relationships: “Trust is vital in any close relationship.”
  • Education: “Literacy is vital for personal and societal development.”
  • Emergency: “Quick action is vital in a medical emergency.”

6. Things to Watch Out For

  • Overuse: “Vital” is a strong word. Don't use it for every important thing. Reserve it for things that are genuinely fundamental.
  • Clarity: Ensure your sentence clearly indicates what is vital. Don't just say “It’s vital,” but explain why it’s vital.

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

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., academic essay, business report, creative writing, informal conversation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use "vital"? I can then tell you if it's the best word choice and offer an alternative if needed.

Synonyms for the word vital

Practice with vocabulary vital

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. For the success of any complex project, effective communication among team members is absolutely ______.
  2. Maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise is ______ for long-term health and well-being.
  3. The new regulations are considered ______ to ensuring consumer protection in the digital marketplace.
  4. Understanding the ______ principles of sustainable development is key for urban planning.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words could replace "extremely important" in the sentence: "It is extremely important that we secure this client." a) crucial b) trivial c) vital d) optional

  2. Which words describe something absolutely necessary for survival or success? a) indispensable b) superfluous c) integral d) vital

  3. To foster a productive work environment, it is _____ that management provides clear guidelines and constructive feedback. a) peripheral b) vital c) incidental d) imperative

  4. Which word best describes a strong, lively, and energetic quality? a) static b) vibrant c) sluggish d) lethargic

  5. The project's success is _____ upon securing additional funding by the end of the quarter. a) dependent b) relying c) conditional d) contingent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is absolutely essential for us to innovate continuously to stay competitive in the market. Rewrite using "vital" or a related word form:

  2. The company's survival depended entirely on the successful launch of its new product line. Rewrite using "vital" or a related word form:

  3. Timely access to information is extremely important for making informed business decisions. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (not "vital"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. vital
  2. vital
  3. crucial
  4. fundamental

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) crucial, c) vital
  2. a) indispensable, c) integral, d) vital
  3. b) vital, d) imperative
  4. b) vibrant
  5. a) dependent, d) contingent

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Continuous innovation is vital for us to stay competitive in the market.
  2. The successful launch of its new product line was vital for the company's survival.
  3. Timely access to information is essential for making informed business decisions.

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