What is deliver? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of deliver

deliververb

/dɪˈlɪvə/
Definition & pronunciation of deliver

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "deliver" in English. Here's a breakdown with different ways to approach it:

1. The Most Common & Natural Pronunciation:

  • ˈdɪlɪvər (This is the one you'll hear most often)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈdi-: Like "dee" as in "deep" – short and crisp.
  • -lɪ-: This is a diphthong (a gliding sound). It sounds like "li" as in "light" but slightly shorter and more closed. It's crucial for the correct rhythm.
  • -vər: Like "ver" as in "very". The 'r' is a very slight, subtle "r" sound – don't overemphasize it.

2. Phonetic Spelling (for accuracy):

  • /ˈdɪlɪvər/

    • ˈdɪ - (as above)
    • lɪ - (as above)
    • vər - (as above)

3. Tips for Getting It Right:

  • Emphasis: The stress is on the first syllable ("di").
  • The "li" sound: This is the trickiest part. Practice saying "lee" quickly, then subtly shorten it. It's not a long "li" like in "light".
  • Subtle "r": Don't add a strong, rolling "r" like in Spanish. Just a little touch.

Resources to Help You Hear It:

To help me tailor the explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are you having trouble with a specific syllable?
  • Do you want me to focus on a particular accent (e.g., American English, British English)?

Usage and examples with the word deliver in English

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

1. To Give Something Physically (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To hand something over to someone; to bring something to a destination.
  • Examples:
    • "The courier will deliver the package tomorrow." (Physical delivery)
    • "She delivered the baby safely." (A medical context, delivering a baby)
    • "He delivered a pizza to our house." (A common, everyday example)
    • "The driver delivered mail to the residents."

2. To Present or Communicate Information (Formal)

  • Meaning: To speak or write about something in a formal presentation or speech. To express an opinion or argument.
  • Examples:
    • "The CEO delivered a compelling speech on the company's future." (Presenting a speech)
    • "The lawyer delivered a strong opening statement." (Presenting an argument formally)
    • "She delivered a brilliant lecture on Renaissance art." (Giving a presentation)

3. To Fulfill a Promise or Obligation (Stronger Emphasis)

  • Meaning: To do something that was promised or required. This often carries a sense of meeting a deadline or expectation.
  • Examples:
    • "The team will deliver the project on time." (Meeting a deadline)
    • “The company is committed to delivering excellent customer service.” (Fulfilling a commitment)
    • “The government promised to deliver healthcare reform.” (Meeting a political promise)

4. To Produce or Create (Sometimes, more business-oriented)

  • Meaning: To produce goods or services, especially in a business context.
  • Examples:
    • "The factory delivered a record number of cars this year." (Producing goods)
    • "The marketing team delivered a successful advertising campaign." (Producing a result – an advertisement)

5. (Less Common) - To Take Charge of Something (Often with responsibility)

  • Meaning: To take control of a situation or project and see it through.
  • Examples:
    • "The manager delivered the team through a difficult period." (Taking responsibility and guiding the team)

Key Differences & How to Choose the Right Meaning

  • "Deliver" vs. "Give": "Deliver" implies a more formal or purposeful transfer than just "give."
  • "Deliver" vs. "Present": "Deliver" is more likely used when discussing a formal speech or presentation. "Present" is often used for things like showing or introducing an object.

Phrases Using "Deliver":

  • Deliver on: To fulfill a promise or obligation. (e.g., "They promised to deliver the report by Friday, and they did.")
  • Deliver results: To produce positive outcomes. (e.g., “The new strategy is expected to deliver results.”)

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "deliver" in? (e.g., business, personal, academic, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you’re trying to build using the word?

Synonyms for the word deliver

Idioms of the word deliver

deliver the goods | come up with the goods
(informal)to do what you have promised to do or what people expect or want you to do
  • We expected great things of the England team, but on the day they simply failed to deliver the goods.
signed and sealed | signed, sealed and delivered
definite, because all the legal documents have been signed

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