What is worship? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of worship

worshipnoun

/ˈwəːʃɪp/
Definition & pronunciation of worship

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

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈwɜː(r)ʃɪp (This is how it sounds in American English)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈwɜː - This is the first syllable.

    • ˈw - This is a stressed syllable – it’s the loudest and most emphasized part of the word. It sounds like "wuh" (like the start of "water"). The 'ˈ' symbol indicates stress.
    • ɜː - This is the sound of the vowel. It's a short 'er' sound, similar to the sound in the word "bird" or "hurt". Think of it as a slightly rounded, short "uh" sound. It’s a slightly lax (relaxed) vowel.

  • ʃɪp - This is the second syllable.

    • ʃ - This is the "sh" sound, like in "ship" or "shoe".
    • ɪ - This is a short “i” sound, like in "bit" or "sit".
    • p - The final ‘p’ sound.

Variations & Regional Accents:

  • British English: The pronunciation is often slightly different. You might hear something closer to: ˈwɜː(r)ʃɪp (the (r) is often dropped). The "r" sound is less prominent in many British accents.

  • Adding an "r" sound: Some people, particularly in North America, may add a subtle "r" sound after the "w" (like "wor-ship"), but this isn’t considered standard.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Focus on the stressed syllable: Make sure you emphasize the "wuh" part of the first syllable.
  • Practice the "sh" sound: Really focus on the "sh" sound between the two vowels.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken! Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "worship" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/worship/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers of various accents.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce worship" on YouTube and you'll find many videos with demonstrations.

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

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia) Knowing your accent will help tailor the pronunciation advice.

Usage and examples with the word worship in English

Let's break down how to use the word "worship" in English. It's a rich word with multiple meanings, so understanding the context is key.

1. Core Meaning: Religious Devotion

  • Definition: At its most basic, "worship" refers to the act of showing deep respect and reverence to someone or something that is considered sacred or divine. This often involves prayer, rituals, and a feeling of adoration.

  • Examples:

    • "They worship the sun god in ancient Egyptian religion."
    • "Many Christians worship God in churches."
    • "She worships her grandmother, always seeking her advice." (Here, "grandmother" is the object of worship – a deep, almost idolized respect.)

2. Figurative Meanings (Beyond Religion)

This is where "worship" gets really interesting. It's often used metaphorically to describe an intense admiration or devotion to anything that someone highly values.

  • Admiration & Devotion to a Person:

    • "He worships his football team, attending every game and buying all their merchandise." (He’s incredibly devoted to the team.)
    • “She worships Beyonce’s talent and style.” (She admires her immensely.)
    • “I worship great writers – Faulkner, Hemingway, Woolf – their words captivate me.” (You deeply admire and value their writing.)

  • Admiration & Devotion to an Idea, Hobby, or Thing:

    • “He worships technology, spending hours tinkering with computers and gadgets.” (He's intensely interested and dedicated.)
    • "I worship a perfectly brewed cup of coffee." (You have a strong, almost reverent appreciation for it.)
    • “They worship the efficiency of the new system.” (They value it so highly.)

3. Important Considerations & Nuances

  • Intensity: "Worship" implies a strong feeling. It’s more intense than simply "like" or "admire."

  • Potential for Imbalance: When used figuratively, be mindful that excessive "worship" of something can be unhealthy. It's important to maintain a balanced perspective. (e.g., “Don’t worship your career to the detriment of your personal life.”)

  • Formality: "Worship" is a relatively formal word. It might sound a bit dramatic in everyday conversation unless you're deliberately emphasizing the depth of your admiration.

4. Synonyms (to help you choose the right word):

  • Revere: (Similar to worship, but often more formal)
  • Adore: (Expresses deep love and affection)
  • Admire: (Expresses respect and appreciation)
  • Devote: (Focuses on dedicating time and energy)
  • Cherish: (To hold something dear)

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about? (e.g., a religious discussion, describing a hobby, etc.)
  • What are you trying to say with the word "worship"? (e.g., "I admire her singing," or "He’s intensely focused on his work.")

Synonyms for the word worship

Practice with vocabulary worship

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Many ancient civilizations used to _______ various deities, believing they controlled natural phenomena.
  2. In some corporate cultures, the pursuit of quarterly profits can become so intense that people seem to _______ it above all else.
  3. Even in highly competitive environments, it's possible to _______ the dedication and skill of one's rivals.
  4. Employees are expected to _______ the company's code of conduct and maintain professional standards at all times.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words describes showing extreme reverence and adoration, often for a divine being or an idolized figure? a) adore b) worship c) idolize d) venerate
  2. When a person holds someone in such high regard that they view them as perfect and aspire to be like them, they might be said to _______ that individual. a) respect b) imitate c) worship d) emulate
  3. The architectural wonders of ancient civilizations often served as places where people could _______ their gods and goddesses through elaborate rituals. a) honor b) revere c) worship d) serve
  4. Which of these verbs means to deeply appreciate the value, quality, or significance of something, often without a spiritual connotation? a) admire b) respect c) praise d) cherish
  5. To formally recognize and publicly acknowledge a person's achievements or contributions is to ______ them. a) appreciate b) celebrate c) commend d) recognize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original sentence: Many people hold their spiritual leaders in very high regard, almost as if they were divine. Rewrite the sentence using the word "worship".
  2. Original sentence: The passionate fans regarded the band's lead singer as an absolute idol. Rewrite the sentence, incorporating a form of the word "worship".
  3. Original sentence: It is crucial to show deep respect and honor for the cultural heritage of a nation. Rewrite the sentence, using a suitable replacement for "respect and honor" but do not use "worship" or any of its forms.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. worship
  2. worship
  3. admire
  4. respect

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) adore, b) worship, c) idolize, d) venerate
  2. c) worship
  3. a) honor, b) revere, c) worship
  4. a) admire, b) respect, c) praise, d) cherish
  5. a) appreciate, b) celebrate, c) commend, d) recognize

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Many people worship their spiritual leaders, treating them almost as if they were divine.
  2. The band's lead singer was worshipped by their passionate fans, who saw him as an absolute idol.
  3. It is crucial to revere the cultural heritage of a nation.

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