What is abandoned? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of abandoned

abandonedadjective

/əˈband(ə)nd/
Definition & pronunciation of abandoned

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "abandoned" in English. It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word is broken down into three syllables: ab - and - oned

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • ab: Pronounced like "ab" in "about." Short and quick.
  • and: Pronounced exactly as you'd say "and."
  • oned: This is the trickiest part. It's pronounced like "awned."
    • "awn": Sounds like the word "own" but without the "o" sound at the beginning. It's a short, open "a" sound.
    • "ed": This is pronounced as a short "d" sound, like in "bad."

3. Putting it all together:

The full pronunciation is: ab - AND - oned (pronounced roughly as: uh-bahn-dnd)

4. Tips for sounding natural:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable ("ab").
  • Flow: It should flow smoothly, not with abrupt stops between the syllables.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken correctly. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "abandoned" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/abandoned/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce abandoned" on YouTube; you'll find many videos.

To help me tailor the advice even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English as a second language?

Usage and examples with the word abandoned in English

Let's break down how to use the word "abandoned" effectively in English. It has a few different meanings and grammatical usages. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. As an Adjective (Describing something left behind):

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. It describes something that has been left behind, usually without planning or intention. It implies neglect, loneliness, or a lack of care.

  • Examples:

    • "The abandoned house stood on a hill, covered in ivy and weeds." (Describes the state of the house)
    • "He found an abandoned car in the junkyard." (Describes the car)
    • "The abandoned puppy was shivering in the rain." (Describes the puppy's situation)
    • "The abandoned village held a haunting beauty." (Describes the village)

2. As a Past Participle (Used with "be" verbs):

  • Meaning: In this form, "abandoned" is used with verbs like is, was, were, are, been, being to describe a state of being.

  • Examples:

    • “The ship was abandoned after the storm.” (The ship came to be in a state of abandonment)
    • “She was abandoned by her family.” (She came to be in a state of abandonment)
    • "The city has been abandoned for decades." (The city has come to be in a state of abandonment)

3. As a Verb (To leave someone or something behind):

  • Meaning: This is the action of leaving someone or something without intending to return. It implies a deliberate decision to leave, often in a difficult or uncomfortable situation.

  • Examples:

    • "Don't abandon your friends in need." (Commanding someone to not leave)
    • "The colonists abandoned their ship and built a new life inland." (They chose to leave the ship)
    • "The dog abandoned its owner during the evacuation." (The dog chose to leave the owner)
    • "He abandoned all hope of rescue." (He ceased to have hope)

4. Figurative Usage:

  • Meaning: “Abandoned” can be used figuratively to describe a feeling or state, such as feeling lonely, forgotten, or giving up on something.

  • Examples:

    • “He felt abandoned by the company after the merger.” (He felt ignored and unsupported)
    • "She felt abandoned by her ideals after the betrayal." (She felt disillusioned and disillusioned)
    • “The project was abandoned due to lack of funding.” (The project was stopped – figuratively, it's like it was left unfinished)

Key Points to Remember:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of “abandoned” depends heavily on how it’s used in a sentence.
  • Synonyms: Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider synonyms like: deserted, neglected, forsaken, left, relinquished.

Resources for More Examples and Practice:

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  • Are there any specific sentences you’re struggling to use the word in?

Synonyms for the word abandoned

Practice with vocabulary abandoned

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The old factory was left _______ for years, and nature began to reclaim it.
  2. She felt _______ by her friends when they didn’t show up to her graduation.
  3. The project was _______ midway due to a lack of funding.
  4. The hiker found a _______ cabin near the trail, which he decided to explore.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes a place left empty and unused for a long time?
    a) abandoned
    b) crowded
    c) renovated
    d) bustling

  2. Which of the following words can mean to give up or leave something behind?
    a) discard
    b) abandoned
    c) repair
    d) occupy

  3. The villagers had to _______ their homes during the flood.
    a) rebuild
    b) abandon
    c) decorate
    d) abandon

  4. Which word is not related to leaving something behind?
    a) forsaken
    b) neglected
    c) maintained
    d) abandoned

  5. Which of these sentences uses "abandoned" correctly?
    a) The team abandoned the game because they were winning.
    b) The abandoned puppy was found wandering the streets.
    c) She abandoned her plans to travel due to bad weather.
    d) The abandoned garden was full of blooming flowers.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The old house was left empty and in ruins for decades.
  2. He decided to give up his dream of becoming a musician.
  3. The project was stopped before it could be completed.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. abandoned
  2. neglected
  3. abandoned
  4. deserted

Exercise 2:

  1. a) abandoned
  2. a) discard, b) abandoned
  3. b) abandon, d) abandon
  4. c) maintained
  5. b) The abandoned puppy was found wandering the streets., c) She abandoned her plans to travel due to bad weather., d) The abandoned garden was full of blooming flowers.

Exercise 3:

  1. The old house was abandoned for decades.
  2. He abandoned his dream of becoming a musician.
  3. The project was halted before it could be completed.

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