What is avoid? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of avoid

avoidverb

/əˈvɔɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of avoid

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "avoid" in English. Here's a breakdown of the sounds and how to put them together:

1. Sounds:

  • a - as in "father" (short 'a' sound)
  • v - as in "very"
  • oy - This is the trickiest part! It's a diphthong, meaning it's a combination of two vowel sounds that blend together. It sounds like the "oi" in "boy" or "toy," but slightly more rounded. Think of it as a "high-o" sound.

2. Putting it Together:

The whole word is pronounced like this: uh-VOID (with that slightly rounded "oy" sound at the end).

3. Tips for getting it right:

  • Emphasis: The emphasis is on the first syllable: "uh-VOID".
  • Relax your lips: Don’t try to force the "oy" sound. Relax your lips slightly as you make the sound.
  • Practice: Say it slowly at first, focusing on each syllable. Then, gradually increase your speed.

Here are a few ways to hear it:

  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce avoid" on Google and listen to the audio pronunciation there.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/avoid/ - This website has pronunciations by native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Practice saying "avoid" with you?
  • Give you another word to pronounce?

Usage and examples with the word avoid in English

Let's break down how to use the word "avoid" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. Core Meaning: To Keep Away From

The most basic meaning of "avoid" is to deliberately keep away from something – a person, place, situation, or activity.

  • Example: "I avoid crowded places." (I deliberately don't go to crowded places.)
  • Example: "He avoided her gaze." (He didn’t look at her.)
  • Example: "The company should avoid making risky investments." (The company shouldn't take risks with its money.)

2. Using "Avoid" with Verbs Like “Talking,” “Contacting,” “Thinking,” etc.

You often use "avoid" in combination with verbs that describe actions:

  • Avoid talking about…: “She avoided talking about her past.”
  • Avoid contacting…: “He avoided contacting his ex-wife.”
  • Avoid thinking about…: “It's hard to avoid thinking about what could have been.”
  • Avoid eating…: “My doctor advised me to avoid eating too much sugar.”

3. "Avoid Doing Something" – Expressing a Negative Action

This is a very common construction:

  • Example: “You should avoid making hasty decisions.” (Don't make quick decisions.)
  • Example: “I need to avoid wasting time.” (I need to be efficient and not waste time.)
  • Example: “He’s trying to avoid getting sick.” (He's taking precautions to not get ill.)

4. "Avoid Being" – Expressing a Negative State

  • Example: "It's important to avoid being stressed." (Don’t let yourself become stressed.)
  • Example: “Try to avoid being late.” (Don’t be late.)

5. More Formal/Literary Usage – Avoiding a Fate or a Result

"Avoid" can sometimes have a more serious or even prophetic meaning, suggesting a danger or negative outcome:

  • Example: “The ancient texts warned of the dangers that could avoid those who sought the lost treasure.” (The dangers that could be avoided.)
  • Example: “The diplomat strived to avoid war.” (He tried to prevent war from happening.)

Key Points & Synonyms

  • Deliberate: "Avoid" implies a conscious choice.
  • Synonyms: evade, shun, dodge, steer clear of, refrain from

Here's a table summarizing common usages:

Usage Example
Keep away from I avoid the rain.
Action + Avoid He avoided eating fast food.
Negative Action You should avoid making mistakes.
Negative State Try to avoid being angry.
Fate/Result They avoided disaster.

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "avoid" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving advice, describing a habit, etc.)

Synonyms for the word avoid

Idioms of the word avoid

avoid somebody/something like the plague
(informal)to try very hard not to meet somebody, do something, etc.
  • She's been avoiding me like the plague since the party last Saturday.
  • I hate office parties—I avoid them like the plague.
to fall into/avoid the trap of doing something
to do/avoid doing something that is a mistake but that seems at first to be a good idea
  • Parents often fall into the trap of trying to do everything for their children.
  • The movie avoids the trap of spending too much time explaining things.

Practice with vocabulary avoid

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to _______ processed foods.
  2. She decided to _______ the meeting because she was feeling overwhelmed.
  3. It’s often better to _______ conflict by addressing issues calmly.
  4. He tried to _______ his mistakes, but his supervisor noticed immediately.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What is the best strategy to _______ misunderstandings in communication?
    a) avoid
    b) ignore
    c) create
    d) encourage

  2. Which of the following words can replace "prevent" in this sentence: "We must _______ delays in the project"?
    a) avoid
    b) accept
    c) cause
    d) ignore

  3. How should you _______ unnecessary expenses in a budget?
    a) avoid
    b) increase
    c) enhance
    d) ignore

  4. Which word does not fit in the sentence: "She tried to _______ the topic during the discussion"?
    a) evade
    b) address
    c) avoid
    d) dodge

  5. What is the opposite of "embrace" in this context: "He decided to _______ the new policy"?
    a) reject
    b) accept
    c) avoid
    d) support

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She stayed away from the crowded area to reduce stress.
    Rewrite: She _______ the crowded area to reduce stress.

  2. Original: He managed to escape the awkward conversation.
    Rewrite: He managed to _______ the awkward conversation.

  3. Original: The company took steps to prevent data breaches.
    Rewrite: The company took steps to _______ data breaches.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. avoid
  2. skip
  3. resolve
  4. hide

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) avoid
  2. a) avoid
  3. a) avoid
  4. b) address
  5. a) reject

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. She avoided the crowded area to reduce stress.
  2. He managed to avoid the awkward conversation.
  3. The company took steps to prevent data breaches.

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