What is worth? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of worth

worthadjective

/wəːθ/
Definition & pronunciation of worth

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "worth" in English. There are actually a couple of common pronunciations, and which one is "correct" depends on where you are and what dialect you're aiming for.

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈwɜːθ/ (rhymes with "earth")
  • Breakdown:
    • ˈwɜː - This part sounds like "wur" (as in "hurt") with a short "u" sound. The stress is on this syllable.
    • θ - This is the "th" sound as in "thin." It's a voiceless dental fricative.

2. The British Pronunciation (Received Pronunciation - RP, often considered the "standard" accent):

  • Pronunciation: /wɜːrt/ (rhymes with “hurt”)
  • Breakdown:
    • wɜː - Again, like "wur".
    • rt - A very short "r" sound, almost like a slight "t" sound. It’s not a pronounced "r" like in "red."

Here's a helpful way to think about it:

  • American: Focus on the "wur" sound and the clear "th".
  • British: Think of "hurt" with a very light "r" at the end.

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "worth" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (Will usually give you the American pronunciation.)
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/worth/ - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word in different accents.

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

  • Where are you located (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word worth in English

Let's break down how to use the word "worth" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. As an Adjective (Expressing Value)

This is the most common usage. "Worth" describes something's value or importance.

  • "That painting is worth a lot of money." (It has a high monetary value.)
  • "This effort isn't worth the trouble." (It doesn't justify the difficulty.)
  • "He's a person worth knowing." (He’s a valuable and admirable individual.)
  • "The data is worth investigating further." (The data has potential value and is worth looking into.)

2. As a Verb (To Be Worth)

Here, "worth" is part of the verb phrase "to be worth," indicating value.

  • "This book is worth reading." (The book has value – it’s good to read.)
  • "The trip was worth the cost." (The experience gained was worth the money spent.)
  • "These sacrifices aren’t worth it." (The negative consequences are not worth the benefits.)

3. Figurative Uses – Beyond Literal Value

"Worth" can be used more creatively to express significance or merit.

  • "It was worth it in the end." (Despite difficulties, it was ultimately a rewarding experience.) – This implies a positive outcome
  • "That moment was worth a thousand words." (The moment was so profound it can’t be adequately described.)
  • "The interview was worth the nerves." (The effort to prepare and face the interview was worth the anxiety.)

4. Phrases with "Worth"

  • "Worth a try": Meaning it’s worth attempting. “Let’s worth a try at fixing it.”
  • "Worth the wait": Meaning the delay was justified by the result. "The new phone was worth the wait!"
  • "Worth every penny": Meaning the price was well-spent. "That vacation was worth every penny."
  • "Worth his/her salt": Meaning someone is competent and reliable. "He's worth his salt as a mechanic."

Key Differences and Nuances:

  • Monetary Value vs. General Value: Be very clear about what kind of “worth” you’re referring to. Is it about money, personal significance, effort, or something else?
  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of “worth” often depends on the context of the sentence.

Examples Putting it Together:

  • “Even though the project took a lot of time, it was worth the investment in terms of increased sales.” (Value in terms of profit)
  • “She’s a truly worthy candidate for the award.” (Value – deserving of recognition)
  • “I don’t think this fight is worth getting angry over.” (Value – not worth the emotional cost)

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "worth" in? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re struggling with?

Synonyms for the word worth

Practice with vocabulary worth

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The new software update is definitely ____ the investment for its enhanced security features.
  2. Despite the initial challenges, the experience of working abroad was incredibly ____ it.
  3. The project team is currently assessing the financial ____ of implementing the proposed changes.
  4. For a beginner, a 30-minute workout daily is quite ____ to improving overall fitness.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. After hours of deliberation, the committee decided the proposal was not ____ pursuing due to its high cost and uncertain outcomes. A) worthy B) worthwhile C) worth D) valuable

  2. Which of the following sentences correctly uses 'worth'? (Select all that apply) A) The new security features are worth to implement. B) This project is definitely worth the challenges it presents. C) Is it worth of my time to attend the optional meeting? D) The detailed report is worth a read for anyone interested in the market trends.

  3. The old antique vase might be ____ a fortune; we should get it appraised. A) deserving B) worthy C) worth D) valuable

  4. The company aims to provide products that are both high-quality and ____ to its customers. A) deserving B) valued C) beneficial D) worthy

  5. Despite the tight deadline, their efforts proved highly ____ in achieving the project's success. A) instrumental B) priceless C) invaluable D) commendable

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It would be beneficial to consider investing in continuous professional development.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "worth".

  2. The detailed analysis provided significant value to the decision-making process.

    • Rewrite the sentence using "worth".

  3. His extensive experience and skills made him a highly valuable asset to the team.

    • Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement for "worth" or its synonyms, but not "worth" itself.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. worth
  2. worth
  3. value
  4. beneficial

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) worth
  2. B) This project is definitely worth the challenges it presents. D) The detailed report is worth a read for anyone interested in the market trends.
  3. C) worth
  4. B) valued
  5. A) instrumental

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Continuous professional development is worth the investment.
  2. The detailed analysis was worth the effort, significantly aiding the decision-making process.
  3. His extensive experience and skills made him an invaluable asset to the team.

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