What is agree? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of agree

agreeverb

/əˈɡriː/
Definition & pronunciation of agree

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "agree" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Basic Sound:

  • "A" sound: The first sound is like the "a" in "father" or "car." It's a long "a" sound.
  • "g" sound: The "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" (like in "go").
  • "ee" sound: The final "ee" sound is like the "ee" in "see" or "tree."

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced: ** /ˈiːɡriː/ **

Let's break that phonetic spelling down:

  • ˈiː - This represents the long "ee" sound (as in "see"). The prime symbol (ˈ) indicates that this syllable is the stressed syllable - it's the part you emphasize when you say the word.
  • ɡ - This is the hard "g" sound.
  • riː – This is the long "ee" sound again.

3. Tips for Saying it Correctly:

  • Stress: Make sure you emphasize the first syllable ("ee"). Don't say it like "ag-REE."

  • Smooth Transition: The key is to transition smoothly from the "ee" sound to the "g" sound.

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to get it right is to hear how native English speakers pronounce it. Here are some resources:

    • Google Translate: Type "agree" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/agree/ - This website allows you to hear how native speakers from different countries pronounce the word.
    • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce agree" – you'll find many videos with audio examples.

To summarize, it's "EE-gree" with emphasis on the first syllable.

Would you like me to:

  • Record an example pronunciation (if possible)?
  • Give you a similar word to practice with?

Usage and examples with the word agree in English

Let's break down how to use the word "agree" in English. It's a super common word with many different ways to use it! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Basic Agreement (Sharing an Opinion)

  • Meaning: To have the same opinion or belief as someone else.
  • How to use it: Often used with phrases like "I agree with you," "I agree that..."
  • Examples:
    • “Do you think it’s a good idea to go to the beach?” “I agree.”
    • “I agree that we need to be more organized.”
    • “She agrees with the teacher about the assignment.”

2. Formal Agreement (Formal Consent or Acceptance)

  • Meaning: To formally accept a proposal, plan, or decision. This is more common in business, legal, and official contexts.
  • How to use it: Often used with phrases like “We agree to…” , “We hereby agree…”
  • Examples:
    • “The company agreed to the new terms of the contract.” (Formal acceptance)
    • “We agree to start the project next week.” (Formal commitment)
    • “The council agreed to fund the community center.”

3. Agreement as a Verb (To Say You're Okay)

  • Meaning: To say you're willing to do something or accept a suggestion.
  • How to use it: Often used with phrases like “I agree to…”
  • Examples:
    • “Can I borrow your pen?” “I agree to lend it to you.”
    • “Let’s meet at 7 pm.” “I agree.”
    • “Would you like to go for a walk?” “I agree, that sounds lovely.”

4. Agreement as a Noun (The State of Sharing an Opinion)

  • Meaning: The fact or state of agreeing.
  • How to use it: Used to describe the situation where people share an opinion.
  • Examples:
    • “There was a complete agreement on the issue.” (Referring to the fact that everyone agreed)
    • “We reached a swift agreement about the budget.”

5. "Agree with" vs. "Agree to" – A Key Distinction

  • "Agree with": This means you share the opinion of someone else. (Focuses on the idea)

  • "Agree to": This means you accept a plan, proposal, or request. (Focuses on an action).

    Example:

    • "I agree with your suggestion about painting the room blue." (I share your opinion)
    • "I agree to help you move this weekend." (I accept your request)

6. Variations & Related Words

  • Agreeable: Pleasant, agreeable (describing a person or situation). “She’s an agreeable person.”
  • Agreement: (noun) A formal arrangement or understanding.
  • To concur: To agree, especially formally. (More formal than "agree")
  • To consent: To agree to do something, often implying a willingness.

Tips for Using "Agree" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the situation to understand which meaning of "agree" is intended.
  • Combine with phrases: Using phrases like "I agree with...", "We agree to...", or "I agree that..." makes your sentences clearer.
  • Consider formality: Use "agree" in its most formal sense (e.g., “We agree to…”) in professional or official contexts.

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

  • What kind of context are you using "agree" in? (e.g., casual conversation, writing an email, giving a presentation?)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you want to use "agree"?

Synonyms for the word agree

Idioms of the word agree

agree to differ/disagree
if two people agree to differ/disagree, they accept that they have different opinions about something, but they decide not to discuss it any longer
  • We must just agree to differ on this.
  • In the end we agreed to disagree.
  • I think you're wrong. Let's just agree to differ.

Practice with vocabulary agree

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The committee members couldn’t _______ on the best approach to solve the issue.
  2. After discussing the proposal, she decided to _______ with his perspective.
  3. It’s important to _______ feedback constructively to improve teamwork.
  4. When asked for his opinion, he simply nodded to show his _______.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words means to have the same opinion?
    a) Argue
    b) Agree
    c) Disagree
    d) Ignore

  2. In professional communication, it’s polite to _______ with your colleagues if you share the same viewpoint.
    a) confront
    b) agree
    c) reject
    d) criticize

  3. Which word is not related to expressing alignment in thought?
    a) Concur
    b) Consent
    c) Oppose
    d) Approve

  4. The team members _______ on the project timeline after a lengthy discussion.
    a) debated
    b) argued
    c) agreed
    d) protested

  5. In negotiations, it’s essential to find common ground and _______.
    a) disagree
    b) compromise
    c) argue
    d) insist

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She accepted his proposal without hesitation.
    Rewrite: She _______ with his proposal immediately.

  2. Original: The stakeholders all had the same opinion about the new policy.
    Rewrite: The stakeholders _______ on the new policy.

  3. Original: They didn’t come to the same conclusion after the discussion.
    Rewrite: They couldn’t _______ after the discussion.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. agree
  2. agree
  3. accept
  4. approval

Exercise 2:

  1. b) agree
  2. b) agree
  3. c) oppose
  4. c) agreed
  5. b) compromise

Exercise 3:

  1. Rewrite: She agreed with his proposal immediately.
  2. Rewrite: The stakeholders agreed on the new policy.
  3. Rewrite: They couldn’t concur after the discussion.

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