What is alarmed? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of alarmed

alarmedadjective

/əˈlɑːmd/
Definition & pronunciation of alarmed

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "alarmed." Here's a breakdown with phonetic transcription and some tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˈælmərd/

Breakdown:

  • ˈælm - This is the beginning of the word.
    • æ - This is a short, open "a" sound, like in the word "cat" or "hat." Don’t say “ay” like in "say."
    • l - A standard "l" sound.
    • m - A standard "m" sound.
  • ərd - This is the ending.
    • ərd - This is a diphthong, meaning it's a combination of two vowel sounds. It's similar to the "er" in "bird" or "hurt," but slightly more relaxed. Think of it as gliding from the "a" sound above to a slightly more open "uh" sound.

How to Say It (Step-by-Step):

  1. Start with the "æ" sound: Like in "cat."
  2. Add the "l" and "m": "Alm"
  3. Gliding to the "ərd" sound: The most important part! Start with the vowel sound of "alm" and let your mouth naturally shift to create the sound of "er-d." It’s a smooth transition.

Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Listen to Examples: The best way to learn is to hear it pronounced. Here are a few options:
    • Google: Search "how to pronounce alarmed" on Google and listen to the audio results.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/alarmed/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce alarmed" - you'll find many videos.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker’s pronunciation.
  • Focus on the Diphthong: The "ərd" part is what often trips people up. Really practice the smooth glide from the "alm" vowel.

Common Mispronunciations:

  • Saying "ah-larm-ed": The "a" in "alarm" is a short, open vowel, not a long "a" like in "say."
  • Not gliding smoothly: If you stop and pronounce the "ərd" part separately, it won't sound right.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide another example word to practice with?
  • Give you more detailed tips on the specific sound of the diphthong?

Usage and examples with the word alarmed in English

Let's break down how to use the word "alarmed" in English. It's a great word that adds a specific nuance to a feeling of worry or concern.

1. Basic Meaning:

"Alarmed" means feeling or showing a sudden and strong sense of fear, worry, or distress. It suggests a more intense reaction than just being worried or concerned.

2. Parts of Speech:

  • Adjective: This is the most common usage. You'll describe someone or something as alarmed.

    • Example: "I was alarmed by the sudden drop in temperature." (Describing how I felt)
    • Example: "The security system was alarmed by the intruder." (Describing the system's state)

  • Verb: It can also be used as a verb, meaning to cause alarm or to express alarm.

    • Example: "The flashing lights alarmed the children." (The lights caused alarm)
    • Example: "She alarmed him with her frantic warning." (She expressed alarm)

3. How to Use It Effectively – Examples & Contexts:

Here's how you can use "alarmed" in sentences, categorized by context:

  • Expressing personal feeling:

    • "I felt alarmed when I saw the damage to my car."
    • “He was alarmed by the news of the rising crime rate.”
    • "She was alarmed at the possibility of losing her job."

  • Describing a situation or event:

    • "The security system alarmed loudly."
    • "The sudden noise alarmed the birds."
    • "The report alarmed investors about the company's financial situation."

  • Showing a strong reaction:

    • "He looked alarmed and immediately called for help."
    • “She stood alarmed, clutching her purse tightly.”

  • With phrases:

    • “He was alarmed to discover the truth.” (He was alarmed because he discovered the truth.)
    • "I was alarmed by the response I got." (I was alarmed because of the response.)

4. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Worried
  • Concerned
  • Distressed
  • Apprehensive
  • Anxious
  • Frightened
  • Startled

5. Important Note: “Alarmed” implies a stronger reaction than “worried.” "Worried" is a more general term for feeling uneasy or apprehensive. “Alarmed” suggests a shock, a fear, or a significant sense of danger.

Could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you interested in using "alarmed" in? (e.g., writing a story, describing a situation, talking about emotions)?
  • Do you want me to give you more specific examples based on a particular topic (e.g., health, safety, business)?

Synonyms for the word alarmed

Practice with vocabulary alarmed

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She was __________ when she heard the loud crash outside her window.
  2. The manager seemed __________ by the sudden drop in sales.
  3. He felt __________ about the project deadline, but he decided to stay calm.
  4. The teacher was __________ by the students' excellent performance on the test.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following words best describes someone feeling worried or frightened?
    A. Alarmed
    B. Excited
    C. Confused
    D. Bored

  2. How did Sarah react when she saw the fire in the kitchen?
    A. She was alarmed and called for help.
    B. She felt indifferent and ignored it.
    C. She was amused and laughed it off.

  3. What is a synonym for "alarmed" in this sentence: "The loud noise made him feel alarmed"?
    A. Relaxed
    B. Startled
    C. Confident
    D. Curious

  4. Which word does NOT fit in this sentence: "The CEO was __________ by the unexpected resignation of the CFO."
    A. Alarmed
    B. Unconcerned
    C. Surprised
    D. Troubled

  5. How might someone feel if they receive distressing news?
    A. Alarmed
    B. Relieved
    C. Shocked
    D. Thrilled

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The sudden noise startled the cat.
    Rewrite: The sudden noise __________ the cat.

  2. Original: She was worried when she couldn’t find her passport.
    Rewrite: She was __________ when she couldn’t find her passport.

  3. Original: The team was shocked by the unexpected announcement.
    Rewrite: The team was __________ by the unexpected announcement.

Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. alarmed
  2. alarmed
  3. concerned
  4. impressed

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. A. Alarmed
  2. A. She was alarmed and called for help.
  3. B. Startled
  4. B. Unconcerned
  5. A. Alarmed, C. Shocked

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The sudden noise alarmed the cat.
  2. She was alarmed when she couldn’t find her passport.
  3. The team was troubled by the unexpected announcement.

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