What is well known? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of well known

well knownadjective

/ˌwɛl ˈnəʊn/
Definition & pronunciation of well known

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "well known" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few options for how to say it:

1. The Most Common & Natural Pronunciation:

  • well - pronounced like "wel" (rhymes with "del") – a short, unstressed 'e' sound. It's quick and clipped.
  • known - pronounced like "no" (rhymes with "go") – a short, unstressed 'o' sound.

Putting it together: wel no

2. Slightly More Detailed Breakdown (for accuracy):

  • well: IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) /wɛl/ (The "w" is usually silent in American English)
  • known: IPA /nəʊn/ (In British English, the "o" is slightly more rounded and longer. In American English, it's shorter and more like "no.")

3. Emphasis & Rhythm:

  • It's a two-syllable word, so there's a slight pause between "well" and "known". It's not a long, drawn-out pause, just a subtle break.

Tips for sounding natural:

  • Don't over-emphasize "well." It’s a weak syllable.
  • Keep "known" short and clipped.

Resources to hear it:

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce 'well known'" on Google and click the "Audio" tab. You'll hear native speakers.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/well%20known/ – This website has pronunciations by native speakers from different regions.

Would you like me to:

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  • Give you some example sentences with "well known"?

Usage and examples with the word well known in English

Let's break down how to use "well known" effectively in English. It's a versatile phrase, but it needs to be used correctly to convey its intended meaning.

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • Definition: "Well known" means widely recognized or famous. Someone or something is considered well known if many people are familiar with them.

  • Structure: It's typically used as an adjective describing a person, place, or thing.

    • Example: “Leonardo DiCaprio is a well-known actor.” (Meaning: Many people recognize and know about Leonardo DiCaprio.)
    • Example: “Paris is a well-known city for its art and culture.” (Meaning: Paris is famous for its art and culture.)

2. Different Ways to Use It - With Examples:

  • Describing People: This is the most common use.

    • "Well-known celebrities" - (e.g., "Hollywood is full of well-known celebrities.")
    • "Well-known athletes" - (e.g., “Michael Jordan was a well-known basketball player.”)
    • "Well-known scientists" - (e.g., "Marie Curie was a well-known scientist for her work on radioactivity.")
    • "Well-known politicians" - (e.g., "She is a well-known politician, often quoted in the news.")

  • Describing Places:

    • "Well-known landmarks" - (e.g., "The Eiffel Tower is a well-known landmark of Paris.")
    • "Well-known tourist destinations" - (e.g., “Rome is a well-known tourist destination.”)
    • "Well-known neighborhoods" – (e.g., "Brooklyn is a well-known neighborhood in New York City.")

  • Describing Things (Objects, Brands, Concepts): This is less common, but still possible.

    • "Well-known brands" - (e.g., "Nike is a well-known brand for athletic shoes.")
    • "Well-known historical events" - (e.g., “The French Revolution is a well-known historical event.”)
    • "Well-known recipes" – (e.g., “Her apple pie is a well-known recipe.”)

3. Important Considerations & Variations:

  • Hyphenation: The word is almost always written as "well-known." Don't write "well known."

  • Alternatives: Sometimes, other words convey the same meaning more precisely:

    • Famous: More general, simply means widely recognized.
    • Renowned: Suggests a higher level of respect and admiration.
    • Celebrated: Highlights achievements and recognition.
    • Recognized: Focuses on the fact that people do know about something.

  • "Known for...": You can also express the same idea using "known for": "He is known for his kindness." This is often a more direct and clearer way to state that someone's reputation is based on a particular quality or achievement.

4. Examples in Sentences (showing context):

  • “The Beatles were well-known throughout the world during the 1960s.” (Emphasis on widespread recognition)
  • “Because of her contributions to the field, she is a well-known expert in genetics.” (Emphasis on expertise and reputation)
  • “The Grand Canyon is a well-known natural wonder.” (Emphasis on its fame as a landmark)

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

  • What are you hoping to use "well-known" in? (e.g., writing a story, an essay, a conversation?)
  • Could you provide a sentence or example you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word well known

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