What is deal? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of deal

dealverb/noun

/diːl/
Definition & pronunciation of deal

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "deal" in English. There are actually two common pronunciations, and they depend on where you are and the context.

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Pronunciation: /diːl/ (pronounced "deel")
  • Breakdown:
    • "di-": Sounds like the "dee" in "dead"
    • "-l": Sounds like the "l" in "light"

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • Pronunciation: /dɛl/ (pronounced "ell")
  • Breakdown:
    • "dɛ": Sounds like the "ell" in "tell"
    • "-l": Sounds like the "l" in "light"

Here's a quick way to tell the difference (though it can be tricky):

  • American: A shorter, sharper "deel" sound.
  • British: A slightly longer, softer "ell" sound.

Resources to hear the pronunciations:

  • Google: Just search for "how to pronounce deal" on Google and it will provide audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/deal/ - This website offers pronunciations from native speakers in different accents.

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

  • Where are you from? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) Knowing your general location will help me give you the most relevant pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word deal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "deal" in English. It’s a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. As a Verb (Action):

  • To agree or come to an understanding: This is probably the most common use.

    • Example: “Let’s deal with this problem now.” (Let's solve it now.)
    • Example: “We dealt with the situation quickly.” (We handled it quickly.)
    • Example: “I’m willing to deal with your offer.” (I'm willing to consider your offer.)
  • To handle or manage something:

    • Example: “The manager dealt with the complaint.” (The manager handled the complaint.)
    • Example: “I need to deal with my emails.” (I need to address my emails.)
    • Example: "The government needs to deal with the rising unemployment." (The government needs to address/solve the unemployment problem.)
  • To distribute or give out:

    • Example: “The teacher dealt out the worksheets.” (The teacher gave out the worksheets.)
    • Example: "The charity deals with homeless people." (The charity works with/helps homeless people.)
  • To trade (often in a formal business context):

    • Example: “I’m hoping to deal with a new supplier.” (I’m hoping to trade with a new supplier.)

2. As a Noun (Thing):

  • A bargain or agreement (most common usage): This is the “deal” you think of when someone says "That's a good deal!"

    • Example: “It’s a great deal on that car.” (It’s a great price on that car.)
    • Example: “We struck a good deal with the contractor.” (We made a good agreement with the contractor.)
    • Example: "I got a really good deal at the market." (I found a good price at the market.)
  • A transaction or business exchange:

    • Example: "I handled the sales deal.” (I completed the sales transaction.)
  • A difficult situation or problem: (More informal)

    • Example: "That's a tough deal.” (That's a difficult situation.)
    • Example: "He's in a bad deal.” (He’s in a tough situation).
  • A set of cards or playing cards: (Specific, less common)

    • Example: “He’s a skilled poker dealer.” (He’s a skilled poker player who deals the cards.)

3. Informal Phrases and Idioms:

  • "To deal with someone": To handle or confront a person (often someone difficult).

    • Example: "I need to deal with my boss about my raise."
  • "Deal with it": To accept a difficult situation or responsibility. (Can be a bit harsh.)

    • Example: "You broke the vase. Deal with it."
  • "Deal breaker": Something that makes a deal impossible or undesirable.

    • Example: "The high price is a deal breaker for me."
  • "To deal someone a hand”: To give someone cards in a card game.

Here's a table summarizing the main uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To agree/manage/distribute “Let’s deal with the mess.”
Noun A bargain/agreement “That’s a fantastic deal!”
Noun A difficult situation “That's a tough deal to handle.”
Informal Phrase To handle/confront someone “I need to deal with him about this.”

Resources for More Information:

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

  • What kind of context are you using "deal" in? (e.g., business, casual conversation, writing, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Idioms of the word deal

deal somebody/something a blow | deal a blow to somebody/something
to shock somebody/something very much; to be very harmful to somebody/something
  • Her sudden death dealt a blow to the whole country.
to hit somebody/something
    deal with it
    used to tell somebody that they cannot change a situation so they must accept it
    • That's the way it is, so deal with it!
    wheel and deal
    to do a lot of complicated deals in business or politics, often in a dishonest way

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