What is band? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of band

bandnoun

/band/
Definition & pronunciation of band

The word "band" in English has a couple of pronunciations depending on where you are and how you want to sound! Here's a breakdown:

1. The most common pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈbænd (rhymes with "hand")
    • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("ban").
    • Sound: The "a" sound is like the "a" in "father."

2. The pronunciation used in British English:

  • bænd (rhymes with "sand")
    • Stress: Similar to American English, the stress is on the first syllable.
    • Sound: The "a" sound is like the "a" in "father" - it's a more open vowel sound.

Here's a quick breakdown using sounds (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA):

  • American: [ˈbænd]
  • British: [bænd]

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

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Usage and examples with the word band in English

Let's break down how to use the word "band" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Musical Groups (Most Common)

  • Definition: A group of musicians who play together.
  • Examples:
    • "The Rolling Stones are a famous band."
    • "I love listening to indie rock bands."
    • "She formed a band with her friends in high school."
    • “They’re playing a concert by that new band this weekend.”

2. A Strip or Ring (Physical)

  • Definition: A continuous strip or ring of something.
  • Examples:
    • "Wrap a band around your wrist to protect it." (Medical bandage)
    • "He put a band of steel around the table leg."
    • "The river was surrounded by a band of reeds."
    • "She wore a gold band on her finger." (wedding ring)

3. A Group of People (Less Common, More Formal)

  • Definition: A group of people united by a common purpose or characteristic. This usage is becoming less common, often replaced with “cohort” or “group.”
  • Examples:
    • “A band of rebels fought against the government.” (Historical/literary context – implies a determined group)
    • “A band of volunteers helped clean up the park.” (Less frequent - sounds quite formal)

4. (Informal) A Type of Food (Slang - Primarily American)

  • Definition: A type of flavored, chewy candy, often with nuts or chocolate.
  • Examples:
    • "Let’s grab some bands at the candy store." (Referring to taffy-like candies)
    • "I love those chewy bands!"

5. (Slang - British) A Type of Temporary Tattoo

  • Definition: A temporary tattoo that adheres directly to the skin.
  • Example: "He got a band on his arm." (British English)

6. (Figurative) A Restriction or Limit

  • Definition: A constraint or limit placed on something. This is less common but useful to know.
  • Examples:
    • "There’s a band on the amount of sugar you can eat." (A limit)
    • “The company put a band on its activities during the strike.” (Restriction)

Important Notes & How to Choose the Right Meaning:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "band" is almost always determined by the context of the sentence.
  • Formal vs. Informal: The "group of people" and "band of rebels" usage is more formal and often found in literature or historical accounts. The slang uses are informal.
  • Visual Imagery: When you read or hear "band," try to picture what the word is describing – a musical group, a strip of material, or something else.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • What kind of context are you interested in using "band" in? (e.g., music, medicine, everyday conversation?)

Synonyms for the word band

Practice with vocabulary band

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The music _____ played their first concert at the local park.
  2. She tied a colorful _____ around her wrist to show support.
  3. The group decided to form a _____ of volunteers to help with the event.
  4. The singer performed solo, without a _____, which surprised the audience.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What do you call a group of musicians who perform together?
    a) Choir
    b) Band
    c) Orchestra
    d) Team

  2. Which of the following can refer to a strip of material used for decoration or support?
    a) Ribbon
    b) Band
    c) Rope
    d) Chain

  3. What term describes a specific range of frequencies or values?
    a) Group
    b) Spectrum
    c) Band
    d) Series

  4. Which word is most appropriate for a group of people working together on a project?
    a) Squad
    b) Band
    c) Committee
    d) Ensemble

  5. What is a synonym for a small group of people united by a common purpose?
    a) Clan
    b) Crew
    c) Band
    d) Tribe

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The group of musicians performed at the festival.
    Rewrite:

  2. Original: She wore a bracelet made of woven threads.
    Rewrite:

  3. Original: The spectrum of light includes all visible colors.
    Rewrite:

Answers:

Exercise 1:

  1. band
  2. ribbon
  3. team
  4. band

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Band
  2. a) Ribbon, b) Band
  3. c) Band
  4. c) Committee
  5. a) Clan, b) Crew, c) Band

Exercise 3:

  1. The band performed at the festival.
  2. She wore a band made of woven threads.
  3. The band of light includes all visible colors.

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