What is considerably? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of considerably

considerablyadverb

/kənˈsɪd(ə)rəbli/
Definition & pronunciation of considerably

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "considerably" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with phonetic approximations and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Closest to how a native speaker would say it):

  • kon-SID-er-uh-buhl

2. Breakdown by Syllable:

  • con-: Sounds like "kon" – like "con" in "consonant."
  • SID-: Sounds like "SID" – rhymes with "kid." Short 'i' sound.
  • er-: Sounds like "er" – as in "her."
  • uh-: A very short, unstressed "uh" sound - like the "a" in "about."
  • buhl: Sounds like "bool" – like "blue" but shorter and with a slightly more open 'oo' sound. It's almost like "bool" but a little less rounded.

3. Tips and Key Points:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the second syllable: SID. This is the BIGGEST thing to get right.
  • "er" sound: Don’t pronounce the "er" as in "her." It's a shorter, almost clipped sound.
  • "uh" sound: It’s important to keep the "uh" sound very brief and unstressed. Think of it as just a little pause.
  • "buhl" sound: Don't overemphasize the "buhl." Keep it relatively smooth and connected.

4. Listen to Examples:

It’s really helpful to hear it! Here are some resources:

  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce considerably" on Google and use the audio button.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/%C3%B6nsiderably/ – This website lets you hear pronunciations from native speakers.
  • YouTube: Search on YouTube for videos demonstrating pronunciation – there are many helpful ones.

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

  • Do you already know some English pronunciation rules?
  • Are there any specific sounds you find difficult to pronounce in English (e.g., 'r' sound, vowel sounds)?

Usage and examples with the word considerably in English

Let's break down how to use the word "considerably" in English. It's a versatile adverb that adds emphasis to a description. Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Basic Meaning:

"Considerably" means "to a large extent," "significantly," or "much." It implies a substantial difference or change.

2. Common Usage Patterns:

  • With Adjectives: This is the most frequent way to use "considerably."

    • Example: "The price of gas has considerably increased this month." (Meaning: The price has increased a lot.)
    • Example: "She’s considerably improved her singing voice." (Meaning: She's improved a lot.)
    • Example: "The project was considerably delayed due to unforeseen circumstances." (Meaning: The delay was substantial.)

  • With Verbs: "Considerably" can modify verbs to show degree.

    • Example: "He considerably underestimated the competition." (Meaning: He underestimated them to a large extent.)
    • Example: "The rain considerably reduced the attendance." (Meaning: The rain lessened attendance significantly.)

  • With Phrases Like “By” or “To”: Often used to quantify the degree of change.

    • Example: “The company’s profits increased considerably by the new marketing campaign.” (Meaning: Profits increased a lot because of the campaign)
    • Example: “He was considerably taller than his brother.” (Meaning: He was much taller.)

3. Nuances and Shades of Meaning:

  • Significant: "Considerably" often carries a similar weight to "significantly," but "considerably" tends to sound slightly more formal.
  • Substantially: “Considerably” and “substantially” are frequently interchangeable, though “substantially” might be used a bit more in formal contexts.

4. Examples Illustrating Different Contexts:

  • Physical Changes: "He’s considerably lost weight." (He’s lost a large amount.)
  • Emotional Changes: “She was considerably relieved when he called.” (She felt relief to a large degree.)
  • Performance: "The new software performs considerably faster than the old version." (It’s much faster.)
  • Quality: "The quality of the materials used in the building was considerably lower than expected." (The quality was significantly lower.)

5. Things to Note:

  • Don't overuse it: Like any word, using "considerably" constantly can make your writing sound repetitive. Choose synonyms (e.g., greatly, substantially, markedly) when appropriate.
  • Context is key: The precise meaning can subtly shift depending on the context.

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., academic, creative, business, informal)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you’d like to use "considerably"? I can then help you refine it.

Synonyms for the word considerably

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