What is considerable? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of considerable

considerableadjective

/kənˈsɪd(ə)rəbl/
Definition & pronunciation of considerable

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

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • Con-
  • sid-er-
  • a-ble

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

This is the most accurate way to represent the pronunciation:

  • /kənˌsɪd.ɚ.ə.bəl/

Let's break down each part:

  • /kən/ – Sounds like "kun" (like "sun") – a short, unstressed “u” sound.
  • /sɪd/ – Sounds like "sid" – a clear “s” followed by a short “ih” sound (as in "bit").
  • /ɚ/ – This is a tricky one! It's a rhotic “er” sound. It’s similar to the “er” in “bird” or “her,” but it's slightly more relaxed and often described as a “darker” or “schwa” sound. It's crucial to get this one right.
  • /ə/ – A short, unstressed "uh" sound (like the "a" in "about").
  • /bəl/ – Sounds like "bul" - a clear “b” followed by a short “uh” sound.

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

  1. “Kun”: Start with a quick, slightly breathy “kun” sound.
  2. “Sid”: Follow that with a clear “sid” sound.
  3. “Er”: Now, insert that “er” sound (like in "bird"). This is the most challenging part. Practice saying it slowly.
  4. “Uh”: Then say a short, unstressed "uh" sound.
  5. "Bul": Finally, say "bul".

Putting it together: Kun-sid-er-uh-bul

Tips for Mastering It:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear how native speakers pronounce it. You can find examples on:

  • Break it Down: Practice each syllable separately until you feel comfortable with it. Then, slowly put them together.

  • Record Yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native speaker.

  • Focus on the "er" sound: Really concentrate on getting that "er" sound right. It's what distinguishes this word from other similar-sounding words.

Would you like me to:

  • Provide more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Help you practice the pronunciation slowly (perhaps by typing the syllables and you reading them aloud)?

Usage and examples with the word considerable in English

Let's break down how to use the word "considerable" in English. It's a versatile word that generally means "large" or "significant," but the best way to use it depends on the context.

1. Basic Meaning & Usage:

  • Generally: "Considerable" means "large in amount, size, or degree." It's often used to describe something that is noticeably big or important.

  • Examples:

    • "There was considerable interest in the new product launch." (Meaning: a large amount of interest)
    • "He has a considerable amount of experience in the field." (Meaning: a large amount of experience)
    • "The damage to the building was considerable." (Meaning: significant damage)
    • "She has a considerable impact on the company's strategy." (Meaning: a noticeable and important effect)

2. Different Forms & Nuances:

  • Adjective: This is the most common form – "considerable" describes nouns. (e.g., a considerable amount, a considerable effort)

  • Adverb: "Considerably" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. (e.g., He improved considerably, The price rose considerably) – Considerably often means "to a large extent" or "significantly."

  • Noun: "Considerable" can rarely be used as a noun, referring to a significant amount of something. (e.g., “He invested a considerable sum of money.”) – This usage is less common and sounds more formal.

3. Common Phrases & Constructions:

  • "A considerable amount of...": This is probably the most frequent way to use it. (e.g., "a considerable amount of time," "a considerable amount of money," "a considerable amount of effort")

  • "Considerable degree of...": Used to describe a level or extent. (e.g., "There's a considerable degree of skepticism about the report.")

  • "Considerably" as an intensifier: ("He's considerably more intelligent than his brother.")

4. Synonyms (to help you choose the best word):

  • Large: significant, vast, ample, huge
  • Important: substantial, major, noteworthy, vital, key
  • To a large extent: largely, greatly, markedly, substantially

5. Example Sentences showing different usages:

  • Amount: "They received a considerable amount of funding for the project."
  • Size/Extent: "The forest covers a considerable area."
  • Degree/Level: “There was a considerable amount of disagreement among the committee members.”
  • Adverb (intensifier): “The students improved considerably over the course of the semester.”

Tips for Using "Considerable":

  • Think about the context: What exactly are you trying to emphasize? Is it the quantity, the importance, or the extent?
  • Don’t overuse it: Like many words that mean “large,” it can sound a bit formal if used too frequently. Sometimes, simpler words like "large" or "significant" are better.

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

  • What are you trying to write or say? (e.g., a formal email, a casual conversation, an essay?)
  • Can you provide a sentence or phrase that you're unsure about using "considerable" in?

Synonyms for the word considerable

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