What is worthy? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of worthy

worthyadjective

/ˈwɜːði//ˈwɜːrði/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "worthy." It can be a tricky one for some English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈwɜːrθi/ (British English)
    • ˈwɜːrθi – This is the key part. Let's break it down further:
      • ˈwɜː – This is the stressed syllable. Pronounce it like “wur” as in “hurt” but shorter. The ‘w’ sound is like the ‘w’ in ‘water’.
      • -rth- - This is a tricky part! It’s a “th” sound, but not the “th” as in “this.” It’s a voiced “th,” meaning you vibrate your vocal cords. Imagine you’re almost saying “derth.” It's similar to the "th" in "other."
      • -i – This is a short “i” sound, like in “bit.”

American English Version:

  • /ˈwɜːrθi/ - American English often pronounces it exactly the same as British English.

Key points to remember:

  • The “th” sound: Many people struggle with this. Practice it slowly – try saying “other” and focusing on that specific sound.
  • Stress: The emphasis is on the first syllable: “wur.”

Resources for Hearing It:

  • Google Search: Simply type "how to pronounce worthy" into Google and click the audio button.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/worthy/ This website has audio pronunciations by native speakers from various regions.

To help me tailor the explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from (roughly, e.g., UK, US, Australia)? Pronunciations can vary slightly.

Usage and examples with the word worthy in English

Let's break down how to use the word "worthy" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a slightly elevated and often philosophical feel. Here's a breakdown of its meaning, usage, and some examples:

1. Core Meaning:

At its simplest, "worthy" means deserving of praise, admiration, or respect. It indicates that something or someone has qualities that merit a positive evaluation.

2. Different Ways to Use "Worthy":

  • Deserving of Reward/Recognition: This is the most common usage.

    • Example: “She’s a truly worthy candidate for the award; her dedication to the community is remarkable.”
    • Example: “The soldiers’ bravery was worthy of a medal.”

  • Meeting a Standard or Requirement: It can indicate that something fulfills a necessary condition.

    • Example: “This is a worthy investment of your time.” (Meaning it’s a worthwhile effort.)
    • Example: “The evidence presented was worthy of the jury’s attention.” (Meaning it was convincing and important.)

  • Having Moral or Intellectual Value: It suggests something is fundamentally good or valuable. This usage often leans towards a more philosophical or idealistic tone.

    • Example: “His actions were worthy of the highest moral principles.”
    • Example: “The book's exploration of complex themes makes it a worthy read.”

  • As an Adjective Describing a Person: Describing someone's character.

    • Example: “He possesses a worthy sense of integrity.”
    • Example: “She’s a worthy role model for young people.”

3. Phrases Using "Worthy":

  • Worthy cause: A just or admirable purpose.
  • Worthy endeavor: A worthwhile project or undertaking.
  • Worthy of attention: Deserving of notice or consideration.
  • Worthy of respect: Deserving of esteem and honor.

4. Contrast with “Good” and “Excellent”:

While "good" and "excellent" are often interchangeable, "worthy" carries a slightly stronger implication of deservingness. “Good” simply means pleasing or satisfactory. “Worthy” implies that something ought to be praised because it deserves it.

5. Examples in Context:

  • Positive: "Her tireless work in the hospital is undeniably worthy of our deepest gratitude."
  • Neutral: “The building’s design is worthy of a historical preservation designation.”
  • Slightly more formal: “The committee found his proposal to be worthy of serious consideration.”

6. Tips for Using "Worthy" Effectively:

  • Consider the Context: Pick a word that truly reflects the level of deservingness you want to convey. "Good" might be sufficient in many cases.
  • Don’t Overuse It: “Worthy” is a slightly more sophisticated word. Using it too frequently can make your writing sound affected.
  • Think about the "Why": Before using "worthy," ask yourself why something deserves praise or recognition. Articulating the reasons will strengthen your writing.

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

  • What kind of writing are you working on (e.g., essay, story, email, etc.)?
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're trying to improve or are unsure about using "worthy" in?

Synonyms for the word worthy

Practice with vocabulary worthy

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The team's innovative approach to problem-solving yielded a result truly ____ of significant recognition from the industry.
  2. After years of dedicated service, the CEO's retirement was met with tributes that were genuinely ____ of his immense contributions to the company's success.
  3. Her meticulous research and insightful analysis made her a highly ____ candidate for the prestigious academic fellowship.
  4. Despite its minor imperfections, the historical document was deemed exceptionally ____ for its insights into 18th-century political discourse.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The committee concluded that the proposal, given its potential societal impact, was undoubtedly ____ of their approval and support. a) eligible b) estimable c) worthy d) sufficient

  2. After rigorous testing, the prototype proved to be a ____ successor to the previous model, excelling in both performance and reliability. a) considerable b) commendable c) weighty d) worthy

  3. Her detailed report offered insights into market trends that were ____ of serious consideration by the management team. a) significant b) valuable c) merited d) worthy

  4. The new regulations are designed to ensure fair competition and a ____ playing field for all market participants. a) equal b) level c) just d) balanced

  5. It is ____ to remember that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. a) essential b) crucial c) imperative d) important

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The historical artifact, unearthed during the excavation, was deemed to deserve significant study and protection. Rewrite using "worthy" or related word forms:

  2. Original: The CEO's long-standing dedication to ethical business practices was always recognized by his peers. Rewrite using "worthy" or related word forms:

  3. Original: The speaker's profound insights into climate change received widespread acclaim from the international audience. Rewrite without using "worthy":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. worthy
  2. worthy
  3. deserving
  4. valuable

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) worthy
  2. d) worthy
  3. d) worthy
  4. b) level
  5. a) essential, b) crucial, c) imperative, d) important

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The historical artifact, unearthed during the excavation, was considered worthy of significant study and protection.
  2. The CEO's long-standing dedication to ethical business practices demonstrated a clear worthiness that was always recognized by his peers.
  3. The speaker's profound insights into climate change were widely applauded by the international audience.

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