What is winning? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of winning

winningadjective

/ˈwɪnɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of winning

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "winning" in English. It's a tricky one for a lot of learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈwɪnɪŋ/ (rhymes with “thinning”)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. “Win”: Pronounce this like the word "win" itself – /wɪn/. The "i" sound is a short "i" as in "bit".

  2. “-ing”: This is where it gets tricky. It's not pronounced like “ing” as in “singing.” Instead, it's a vowel sound similar to the “i” in “bit,” but with a slightly more nasal quality. Think of it as a very quick, brief “ih” sound. It's a bit subtle, but it's crucial.

Here's a helpful way to think about it:

  • Imagine you just said the word "win" and then quickly followed it with a very light "ih" sound.

Resources for Hearing it:

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Don't say “win-ing” like “singing.” This is a very common mistake.
  • Don't over-emphasize the "ing" part. It's a short, clipped sound.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?
  • Explain the difference between the "ing" sound in different words?

Usage and examples with the word winning in English

Let's break down how to use the word "winning" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings and usages! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Verb (Action - Winning)

  • Competing and Succeeding: This is the most common meaning. It means to succeed in a competition, game, or challenge.

    • “She’s winning the race!”
    • “The team is winning the championship.”
    • “He’s winning the argument with logic.”
    • “I'm winning this bet!”

  • Achieving a Desirable Outcome: It can also mean to achieve a positive result, even if it's not a formal competition.

    • “They're winning over the customers with their friendly service.”
    • “The company is winning new clients.”
    • “We’re winning the battle against budget cuts.”

2. As an Adjective (Describing a Situation – Winning)

  • Successful; Victorious: When used as an adjective, "winning" describes something that is successful, triumphant, or victorious.

    • “It’s a winning strategy.” (A good strategy)
    • “She’s a winning personality.” (An appealing personality)
    • “This is a winning combination of flavors.” (A delicious mix)
    • “He's a winning smile.” (A charming smile)

  • Attractive; Desirable: Sometimes it describes something that is appealing or desirable.

    • “That’s a winning argument.” (A convincing argument)

3. As Part of a Phrase (Winning)

  • “Winning attitude”: A positive and optimistic mindset.
  • “Winning streak”: A series of successes. “The Lakers are on a winning streak.”
  • “Winning move”: A clever or advantageous action.
  • "Winning the game" - achieving victory in a game or competition.

4. Informal Usage & Slang

  • “Winning” (as an expression of enjoyment): This informal use describes something really great, awesome, or enjoyable. It's similar to saying "amazing!" or "fantastic!".
    • “That concert was winning!”
    • “This cake is winning!”

Tips for Using "Winning" Correctly

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the context to understand whether "winning" is being used as a verb (action) or an adjective (description).
  • Don’t overuse it: While it's a useful word, using it too frequently can sound repetitive.

Resources for More Examples:

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

  • What specifically are you trying to do with the word "winning"? (e.g., write a story, have a conversation, understand a particular sentence?)

Synonyms for the word winning

Idioms of the word winning

winning ways
(informal)a series of victories or successes
  • He'll look to continue his winning ways with a victory in Mexico on 16 February.

Practice with vocabulary winning

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The consultant presented a ________ proposal that secured the contract for our firm.
  2. Her consistent dedication played a significant role in ________ the annual performance award.
  3. ________ project milestones on time is essential for client satisfaction.
  4. The team's hard work culminated in a decisive ________ in the inter-departmental challenge.

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

  1. Which of the following describes a desirable characteristic for a sales pitch? a) A winning approach b) A hesitant approach c) A prolonged approach d) A perplexing approach

  2. The company is focused on ________ market share in the next quarter. a) forfeiting b) conceding c) winning d) yielding

  3. To secure the grant, the research team needs to submit a proposal that is ________. a) convincing b) winning c) ambiguous d) disorganized

  4. After a tough negotiation, the CEO felt ________ that the deal was closed. a) triumphant b) hesitant c) doubtful d) ambiguous

  5. Which word best completes the sentence: "Effective communication is key to ________ stakeholder support." a) alienating b) securing c) neglecting d) undermining

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The company's innovative product proved to be superior in the competitive market. Rewrite using "winning" or a related word form:

  2. Original: Despite initial setbacks, the project team managed to convince the client and close the deal. Rewrite using "winning" or a related word form:

  3. Original: The candidate's comprehensive experience and excellent communication skills were crucial for getting the job. Rewrite, but DO NOT use "winning" or its forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. winning
  2. winning
  3. Achieving
  4. victory

Exercise 2:

  1. a) A winning approach
  2. c) winning
  3. a) convincing, b) winning
  4. a) triumphant
  5. b) securing

Exercise 3:

  1. The company's innovative product proved to be a winning entry in the competitive market.
  2. Despite initial setbacks, the project team succeeded in winning the client over and closing the deal.
  3. The candidate's comprehensive experience and excellent communication skills were crucial for securing the job.

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