What is confirm? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of confirm

confirmverb

/kənˈfəːm/
Definition & pronunciation of confirm

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

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/kənˈfɜːrm/ (British English) /kənˈfɜːm/ (American English)

Let's break this down syllable by syllable:

  • con: Sounds like "con" as in "connect" - /kən/

  • firm: Sounds like "firm" as in "firm handshake" - /ˈfɜːrm/

    • firm: The "f" is pronounced clearly. The "ir" makes a long "er" sound, like in "her." The "m" is pronounced as usual.

  • -ing: This adds a slight stretching of the vowel sound and the final "m."

2. A Step-by-Step Guide to Pronunciation:

  1. Start with "con": Say "con" as in "connect."
  2. Move to "firm": Say "firm" as in "firm handshake." Really emphasize that long "er" sound in "firm."
  3. Combine: Link the two together smoothly: "con-firm."
  4. Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("firm"). You'll want to say "con-firm" – with the stress on the second syllable.

3. Listen to Examples:

  • Google Translate: Go to Google Translate (translate.google.com) and type in "confirm." Click the speaker icon to hear a native speaker pronounce it.
  • Forvo: Forvo (forvo.com) is a fantastic resource for hearing words pronounced by native speakers from different regions: https://forvo.com/word/confirm/

Key things to remember:

  • The "ir" sound in "firm": This is what often trips people up. Practice saying "her" and "term" and you'll get the hang of it.
  • Don't add an extra "r" sound: It’s easy to accidentally say "con-firmr," but it’s not correct.

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

  • What dialect of English are you learning? (e.g., American, British, Australian) - There can be slight differences in pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word confirm in English

Let's break down how to use the word "confirm" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, but generally it means to make something certain or to state that something is true.

1. As a Verb – To Make Something Sure:

This is the most common usage. "Confirm" means to establish something as being true or correct.

  • Example 1 (Simple Confirmation): "I need to confirm your booking for the flight." (You're making sure the booking is actually valid.)
  • Example 2 (Seeking Confirmation): "Could you confirm the date of the meeting?" (You're asking someone to verify the date.)
  • Example 3 (Providing Confirmation): "I’ve just confirmed that the package will arrive tomorrow." (You’re stating that it’s definitely going to arrive tomorrow.)
  • Example 4 (Formal Confirmation): "The police are trying to confirm the identity of the suspect." (They're trying to verify his identity.)

2. As a Verb – To State Something Again (Often to Assure):

Sometimes, "confirm" means to state something again, often to reassure someone or to emphasize a previously stated fact. This usage is a little less common than the first.

  • Example: "I confirmed that I'd be there to help, just to reassure you." (You repeated your promise to help.)

3. Phrases Using "Confirm":

  • Confirm and deny: (Often used in investigations or legal contexts) – To either confirm or deny something, sometimes without revealing the specifics. “The witness refused to confirm or deny the suspect’s involvement.”
  • Confirm details: To check and verify all the particulars of something. "Let’s confirm all the details of the presentation before we send it out."
  • Confirm your suspicions: To make your doubts or assumptions correct. "The lab results confirmed my suspicions about his illness."
  • Confirm something is true: A more direct way of saying "confirm" – “Scientists confirmed that the Earth is round.”

Here's a breakdown of when you might use "confirm" vs. similar words:

  • Verify: Very similar to "confirm." "Verify your account details."
  • Confirm: Often implies a more official or thorough check. "Confirm the shipment."
  • Assure: To give someone peace of mind. "I will confirm that your payment has been processed."
  • Validate: To check if something is correct and legitimate. "Validate your ticket."
  • Establish: To make something certain or widely accepted. "The report established the facts."

Tips for Using "Confirm" Effectively:

  • Context is key: The best way to understand how to use "confirm" is to see it in context.
  • Consider the formality: "Confirm" is generally a fairly formal word.

Could you tell me:

  • What kind of situation are you thinking about where you want to use the word "confirm"? (e.g., travel, business, investigation, etc.)
  • Do you have a specific sentence in mind that you'd like help with?

Synonyms for the word confirm

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