What is admit? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of admit

admitverb

/ədˈmɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of admit

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "admit" in English. It's a tricky one because it has a subtle shift in sound. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound (Initial "ad"):

  • "ad" – This is pronounced like the "a" in "add" or "bad." It’s a short, open "ah" sound. Think of it as a quick, gentle “ah”.

2. The Tricky Part ("mit"):

  • "mit" – This is where it gets interesting. It's not pronounced like "meet." Instead, it’s pronounced like “mit” in "submit”, but with a slight reduction in the vowel sound.
    • The sound – it's a reduced vowel sound. Imagine saying "mit" but softening it slightly, almost like you're just gliding over the vowel. It’s a very quick, almost silent "i" sound.

Putting it together:

The full pronunciation is roughly: “ad-mit” (with emphasis on the first syllable – “ad”).

Here are a few ways to hear it:

  • Google it: Type "how to pronounce admit" into Google and listen to the audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/admit/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce words in different accents.
  • YouTube: Search for “how to pronounce admit” on YouTube – you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Key Tip: Don’t say “meet” when you get to the “mit” part. That’s the most common mistake. Focus on the short, relaxed "i" sound.

Do you want me to:

  • Break down the pronunciation even further?
  • Give you examples of sentences using "admit"?

Usage and examples with the word admit in English

Let's break down how to use the word "admit" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings and uses. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. To Allow Entry (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. “Admit” means to let someone into a place.
  • Examples:
    • “The bouncer admitted a few people into the club.” (Let them in)
    • “I admitted my friend to the concert – he’d been wanting to go for ages.” (Allowed her entry)
    • “The airport admitted hundreds of passengers each hour.” (Allowed them passage)

2. To Confess (To Acknowledge Something is True)

  • Meaning: This refers to acknowledging a mistake, fault, or unpleasant truth.
  • Examples:
    • “I admitted that I was wrong.” (Confessed)
    • “He admitted to stealing the cookies.” (Conceded to the fact)
    • “The company finally admitted they had made a serious error in their calculations.” (Acknowledged the mistake)

3. To Receive (Someone) – Often Formal

  • Meaning: This is a more formal way of saying "to accept" or "to allow." It's often used in official contexts.
  • Examples:
    • “The university admitted 1,000 new students this year.” (Accepted them)
    • “She was admitted to the hospital after the accident.” (Taken into the hospital)
    • “The police admitted him to custody.” (Took him into their care)

Key Differences and Synonyms:

Use Word Example
Allow Entry Admit "The security guard admitted her."
Synonyms Allow, let in "The security guard let in her."
Confess Admit "I admitted I made a mistake."
Synonyms Confess, acknowledge "I confessed I made a mistake."
Receive (Formal) Admit "She was admitted to the hospital."
Synonyms Accept, take in "She was taken into the hospital."

Phrases with "Admit":

  • Admit to: (Used with "confess") – “He admitted to lying.”
  • Admit of: (Means to allow for) – “This design doesn’t admit of any changes.”
  • Admit the fact that: – “I admit the fact that I was wrong.”

Tips for Using "Admit":

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the situation to determine which meaning is intended.
  • "Admit to" vs. "Admit": "Admit to" always includes a specific thing you're confessing. "Admit" alone can mean simply allowing someone in.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific usage in more detail?
  • Provide some practice sentences?

Synonyms for the word admit

Practice with vocabulary admit

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. After much hesitation, she finally decided to __________ her mistake.
  2. The company refused to __________ any wrongdoing in the investigation.
  3. He was quick to __________ his gratitude for the help he received.
  4. The teacher asked the students to __________ their assignments by Friday.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words means to acknowledge something, often reluctantly?
    a) deny
    b) admit
    c) refuse
    d) ignore

  2. In which sentence is "admit" used correctly?
    a) She refused to admit the package at the door.
    b) He had to admit that he was wrong.
    c) They admitted the room was too small for the event.
    d) We admitted our luggage before boarding the flight.

  3. Which word(s) could replace "admit" in this sentence: "The suspect finally admitted to the crime."
    a) confessed
    b) denied
    c) revealed
    d) concealed

  4. Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: "The manager decided to __________ the new policy immediately."
    a) implement
    b) admit
    c) reject
    d) ignore

  5. Which sentence does NOT use "admit" correctly?
    a) The hospital will admit new patients tomorrow.
    b) She admitted her fears to her best friend.
    c) They admitted the project was a success.
    d) He admitted the door when the guests arrived.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She confessed that she hadn’t finished the report on time.
    Rewrite: She __________ that she hadn’t finished the report on time.

  2. Original: The student acknowledged that he needed help with the assignment.
    Rewrite: The student __________ that he needed help with the assignment.

  3. Original: The company recognized its failure to meet the deadline.
    Rewrite: The company __________ its failure to meet the deadline.

Answers

Exercise 1:

  1. admit
  2. admit
  3. express
  4. submit

Exercise 2:

  1. b) admit
  2. b) He had to admit that he was wrong.
  3. a) confessed, c) revealed
  4. a) implement
  5. d) He admitted the door when the guests arrived.

Exercise 3:

  1. She admitted that she hadn’t finished the report on time.
  2. The student admitted that he needed help with the assignment.
  3. The company acknowledged its failure to meet the deadline.

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