What is worry? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of worry

worryverb

/ˈwʌri/
Definition & pronunciation of worry

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

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈwɜːri/ (This is the British English pronunciation)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. "wɜː": This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "wur" as in "hurt" but with a slightly more rounded "ur" sound. Think of saying "wur" with your lips a little more rounded, almost like you're about to say "fur." The "r" sound is almost silent.

  2. "ri": This is a very short, quick "ri" sound, almost like "ree" but very clipped.

So, putting it together, it sounds like: "wur-ree" (emphasize the first syllable a bit more).

American English Pronunciation:

  • /ˈwɔːri/ (This is the typical American English pronunciation)

It’s very similar to the British version, but the vowel in the first syllable is a bit different:

  1. "wɔː": The "o" sound in "worry" is closer to the "aw" sound in "law" or "saw." It's a slightly more open and rounded vowel than the British "wɜː".

  2. "ri": Same as above – a short, quick "ri" sound.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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

  • Which English dialect are you learning? (British, American, Australian, etc.)
  • Do you have any particular difficulty with the vowel sounds?

Usage and examples with the word worry in English

Let's break down how to use the word "worry" in English. It's a common word, but it has nuances and different ways to express it.

1. Basic Meaning: Feeling Anxious or Concerned

At its core, "worry" means to feel anxious or troubled about something, especially about a possible problem or difficulty.

  • Example: "I worry about my son's exam." (I feel anxious about how his exam will go.)
  • Example: "She worries a lot about her health." (She is frequently troubled by her health.)

2. Forms of the Verb "Worry"

  • Worry (verb - present tense): As shown above – the basic form.

  • Worried (adjective): Describes feeling worried.

  • Worrying (present participle/gerund): Used with verbs like "stop," "start," "continue," and "avoid."

  • Worryed (archaic): Rarely used today; "worried" is the standard.

    • Example: "I need to stop worrying about things I can't control."
    • Example: "He’s a worried man." (Describing his state of mind)

3. Different Ways to Express Worry (with variations in intensity)

  • To be concerned: A more formal way to say you're worried.
    • Example: “I’m concerned about the rising cost of living.”
  • To fret: To worry excessively, often about small things.
    • Example: "She frets over every little detail."
  • To be anxious: Closely related to worry, but often implies a stronger emotional response.
    • Example: "He's anxious about the upcoming job interview."
  • To have a care: (Colloquial, mostly British) – Similar to “to worry.”
    • Example: "Don't have a care in the world!" (Don't worry about anything.)
  • To be up at night worrying: (Idiomatic) - Refers to sleeplessness due to worry.
    • Example: “I was up at night worrying about the presentation.”

4. Phrases Using "Worry"

  • Don't worry: A common expression of reassurance.
  • It's alright to worry: Acknowledges that worrying is a normal human experience.
  • Worry about something: Focus on the subject you are feeling worried about.
  • Worry lines: Wrinkles on the face caused by frowning (from worry).

5. Examples in Sentences (showing variety)

  • "I worry that the project won't be finished on time."
  • "She’s constantly worrying about her children’s safety."
  • “He’s a naturally worried person.”
  • “Please don’t worry; we’ll figure it out.”
  • "I was worried sick when I couldn't reach her."
  • “He worries about money a lot.”

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking conversationally, etc.)
  • Are there any specific situations where you want to use the word "worry"?

Synonyms for the word worry

Idioms of the word worry

not to worry
(informal, especially British English)it is not important; it does not matter
  • Not to worry—I can soon fix it.
  • Not to worry—no harm done.

Comment ()