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

Comment ()