What is word? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of word

wordnoun

/wəːd/
Definition & pronunciation of word

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "word" in English. It's a surprisingly tricky one for non-native speakers!

Here's the breakdown:

  • The most common pronunciation (American English): /wɜrd/ (pronounced like "word" with a dipthong - a combination of two vowel sounds)

    • "w" as in "water" - a brief, quick "w" sound
    • "ɜrd" - This is the tricky part. It sounds like "urd" but with a very short, almost swallowed "u" sound. It's a dipthong - a glide from a short "uh" sound to a slightly higher, shorter sound. Think of it as a quick, almost clipped "uh" that transitions smoothly into a short "er" sound. Many people describe it as similar to the sound you'd make when you're surprised.

  • The more traditional pronunciation (British English): /wɜrd/ (same as above) - While the American pronunciation is more widespread, most British speakers also pronounce it /wɜrd/.

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "r": The "r" sound in "word" is very subtle. It's almost like a little "uh" sound followed by a quick "r."
  • Listen to examples: This is crucial. The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some good resources:
    • Google Dictionary: Type "word" into Google and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/word/ - This website lets you hear the word pronounced by native speakers from different regions.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce word" - you'll find many videos.

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

  • What kind of English pronunciation are you aiming for? (American, British, or something else?)

Usage and examples with the word word in English

Let's break down how to use the word "word" in English! It's a remarkably versatile word with many different meanings and uses. Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Noun – The Basic Meaning: A Spoken or Written Unit of Language

  • Definition: This is the most common usage. It refers to a single unit of language – a syllable, a part of a sentence, or a whole thought.
  • Examples:
    • "Please speak clearly – I didn’t hear your word."
    • "She wrote a long word in her diary."
    • "One word can change everything."
    • "The dictionary defines each word."

2. As a Noun – A Promise or Agreement

  • Definition: Similar to a pledge or commitment.
  • Examples:
    • “He kept his word and paid me back.”
    • “I gave him my word that I would be there.”
    • "The contract is based on a simple word: honesty."

3. As a Noun – A Particular Thing or Item

  • Definition: Referring to a specific object, concept, or matter.
  • Examples:
    • "What’s your word for this color?" (Referring to a color swatch)
    • "Let’s talk about the word of God."
    • “He’s a specialist in the word of medicine.” (Referring to a medical field)

4. As a Noun – A Suggestion or Idea (Often Informal)

  • Definition: A brainstormed idea or a preliminary thought. It’s particularly used in creative contexts.
  • Examples:
    • “Let’s throw out some words for that advertising campaign.”
    • “I need to get some words down before I forget them.”
    • “Just start writing down words - don’t worry about making sense yet.”

5. As an Adjective – Expressing a Thought Precisely

  • Definition: Describes something that is clear, exact, and well-defined.
  • Examples:
    • “He gave a word account of the events.” (A detailed and accurate description)
    • “She spoke in words of comfort.” (She expressed comfort clearly and sincerely.)
    • "The lawyer provided a word for the court.” (The lawyer gave a precise and legal definition.)

6. As a Verb – To Express Something in Words

  • Definition: To state or communicate something verbally.
  • Examples:
    • "He worded the contract carefully." (He wrote the contract in a precise way.)
    • “Can you word that politely?” (Can you express that in a more courteous manner?)
    • “She worded her complaint eloquently." (She expressed her complaint clearly and persuasively)

7. Common Phrases Using "Word":

  • “By word of mouth”: Through spoken communication (passing information from person to person).
  • “In a word”: Simply put; briefly. (e.g., "In a word, it was a disaster.")
  • “Day by day”: A common expression meaning gradually.
  • “Take the word for it”: Trust me on this.

Tips for Using "Word" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "word" changes drastically depending on how it’s used in a sentence.
  • Pay attention to part of speech: Is it a noun or a verb? This will guide how you use it.
  • Don't overuse it: While versatile, “word” can sound a bit formal in some contexts. Consider simpler alternatives if possible.

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

  • What specifically are you struggling with when using “word”? (e.g., “I’m not sure when to use it as a noun vs. a verb,” or “I’m trying to use it in a more creative way.”)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re unsure about?

Synonyms for the word word

Idioms of the word word

actions speak louder than words
(saying)what a person actually does means more than what they say they will do
    bandy words (with somebody)
    (old-fashioned)to argue with somebody or speak rudely to them
      be a dirty word
      to be a subject or an idea that people think is bad or morally wrong
      • Profit is not a dirty word around here.
      • Work is a dirty word to Frank.
      be lost for words
      to be so surprised, confused, etc. that you do not know what to say
        beyond words
        in a way that cannot be expressed in words
        • We were bored beyond words.
        by word of mouth
        because people tell each other and not because they read about it
        • The news spread by word of mouth.
        • The restaurant does not advertise, but relies on word of mouth for custom.
        eat your words
        to admit that what you said was wrong
        • When he told her she would fail, she swore she would make him eat his words.
        famous last words
        (saying)people sometimes say Famous last words! when they think somebody is being too confident about something that is going to happen
        • ‘Everything's under control.’ ‘Famous last words!’
        (right) from the word go
        (informal)from the very beginning
          (not) get a word in (edgeways)
          (not) to be able to say anything because somebody else is speaking too much
          • When Mary starts talking, no one else can get a word in edgeways.
          hang on somebody’s words/on somebody’s every word
          to listen with great attention to somebody you admire
          • The journalists hung on his every word as he spoke of his ordeal.
          have a word in somebody’s ear
          (British English)to speak to somebody privately about something
          • Can I have a word in your ear about tomorrow's presentation?
          have/exchange words (with somebody) (about something)
          (especially British English)to have an argument with somebody
          • We've had words.
          • Words were exchanged.
          in other words
          used to introduce an explanation of something
          • They asked him to leave—in other words he was fired.
          • They're letting me go—in other words, I've been sacked.
          (not) in so/as many words
          (not) in exactly the same words as somebody says were used
          • ‘Did she say she was sorry?’ ‘Not in so many words.’
          • He didn't approve of the plan and said so in as many words.
          • They told me in so many words that I was no longer needed.
          in a word
          (informal)used for giving a very short, usually negative, answer or comment
          • ‘Would you like to help us?’ ‘In a word, no.’
          in words of one syllable
          using very simple language
          • Could you say that again in words of one syllable?
          the last/final word (on something)
          the last comment or decision about something
          • He always has to have the last word in any argument.
          • I’m willing to wait one more week, and that’s my final word on the subject.
          • The Chairman always has the last word on financial decisions.
          the last word (in something)
          the most recent, fashionable, advanced, etc. thing
          • These apartments are the last word in luxury.
          mum’s the word!
          (informal)used to tell somebody to say nothing about something and keep it secret
            not have a good word to say for somebody/something
            (informal)to never say anything good about somebody/something
            • Nobody had a good word to say about him.
            not mince (your) words
            to say something in a direct way even though it might offend other people
            • They were severely criticized by the chairman, who was not a man to mince his words.
            • He doesn't mince his words when he talks about his ex-boss.
            the operative word
            used to emphasize that a particular word or phrase is the most important one in a sentence
            • I was in love with her—‘was’ being the operative word.
            • He seemed nice. But ‘seemed’ was the operative word.
            a play on words
            the humorous use of a word or phrase that can have two different meanings
              the printed word/page
              what is published in books, newspapers, etc.
              • the power of the printed word
              put in a (good) word for somebody
              to praise somebody to somebody else in order to help them get a job, etc.
              • If you run into the boss, put in a good word for me!
              put words into somebody’s mouth
              to suggest that somebody has said something when in fact they have not
              • He felt after the interview that the police officers had been trying to put words into his mouth.
              say/give the word
              to give an order; to make a request
              • Just say the word, and I'll go.
              take somebody at their word
              to believe exactly what somebody says or promises
              • He said I could stay at his house any time, so I took him at his word.
              take the words right out of somebody’s mouth
              to say what somebody else was going to say
              • I was about to say we should cancel the trip, but she took the words right out of my mouth.
              too funny, silly, ridiculous, etc. for words
              extremely funny, silly, ridiculous, etc.
                a war of words
                a bitter argument over a period of time between two or more people or groups
                • the political war of words over tax
                weigh your words
                to choose your words carefully so that you say exactly what you mean
                • He spoke slowly, weighing his words.
                (upon) my word
                (old-fashioned)used to show that you are surprised about something
                  word for word
                  in exactly the same words or (when translated) words with exactly the same meaning
                  • She repeated their conversation word for word to me.
                  • a word-for-word translation
                  • He repeated word for word what the boy had said to him.
                  somebody’s word is their bond
                  somebody’s promise can be relied on completely
                    words to that effect
                    used to show that you are giving the general meaning of what somebody has said rather than the exact words
                    • He told me to leave—or words to that effect.
                    the written word
                    language expressed in writing rather than in speech
                    • the permanence of the written word

                    Comment ()