What is disturb? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of disturb

disturbverb

/dɪˈstəːb/
Definition & pronunciation of disturb

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

1. The Core Sound:

  • "dis-": This part is pretty straightforward. It sounds like "dis" as in "disappointment."
  • "turb": This is the trickiest part. It's a blend of sounds. Think of it as:
    • "tur": Like the beginning of the word "turn."
    • "b": A very short, almost silent "b" sound. It's blended into the "tur" sound.

2. Putting it Together:

The entire word is pronounced roughly like: "dis-tuhrb"

Let's break that down further:

  • "tuh": This is a short "uh" sound, as in "cup" or "sun." It's the primary vowel sound.
  • "rb": A very quick, almost blended "r" sound. Don't linger on the "r."

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Don't say "dis-terb." That's a common mistake! The "ter" is not in the word.
  • Short "uh" sound: Remember that "tuh" sound – it’s not long like "tune."
  • Quick "r": The "r" is light and barely noticeable.

Resources for Hearing and Practicing:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/disturb/ - This website has audio recordings of native speakers pronouncing the word. Listen carefully and try to mimic the sounds.
  • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce disturb" on YouTube. You’ll find many videos with clear pronunciation guides.

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

  • Are you learning English as a first language, or are you an English language learner?

Usage and examples with the word disturb in English

Let's break down how to use the word "disturb" in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings, but it generally revolves around interrupting something or causing unease.

1. As a Verb (Most Common Usage)

  • To interrupt or bother someone: This is the most frequent way "disturb" is used. It means to break someone’s concentration, peace, or quiet.

    • Example: "Please don't disturb me while I'm working."
    • Example: "The loud music was disturbing the neighbors."
    • Example: "She tried to disturb his thoughts about the past."

  • To disrupt or interrupt something (activity, process, order): It means to break the smooth functioning of something.

    • Example: "The storm disturbed the traffic flow."
    • Example: "The unexpected question disturbed the flow of the meeting."
    • Example: "The sudden change in weather disturbed his plans."

2. As a Noun (Less Common)

  • Something that interrupts or bothers: It refers to the act or thing that causes disturbance.
    • Example: "He apologized for the disturbance he caused."
    • Example: "The dog was a constant disturbance.” (meaning a nuisance)

3. Nuances and Subtle Differences

  • "Disturb" implies a stronger sense of interruption than "bother." “Bother” is milder – it suggests annoyance or inconvenience. “Disturb” suggests a more significant break in something.

  • "Disturb" often carries a negative connotation. It’s usually used when something is unwanted or unwelcome.

  • "Disturbing" (adjective): This is the adjective form, often used to describe something unsettling, shocking, or upsetting. It’s frequently used to describe experiences or images.

    • Example: "The film was deeply disturbing."
    • Example: "He had a disturbing dream."

Here's a table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb To interrupt/bother someone "Don't disturb me while I study."
Verb To disrupt/interrupt something "The rain disturbed the game."
Noun The act of interrupting/bothering "Her constant complaining was a disturbance."
Adjective Unsettling, shocking, upsetting "That was a disturbing story."

Tips for Choosing the Right Word

  • Consider the context: What are you trying to express? Are you talking about a person’s peace of mind, or the smooth functioning of something?

  • Think about the intensity: Is it a minor annoyance, or a major disruption? “Bother” might be better for a slight inconvenience, while “disturb” is appropriate for something more serious.

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use “disturb” in different sentences?
  • Help you differentiate between “disturb” and similar words like “bother,” “interrupt,” or “disrupt”?
  • Provide some practice sentences for you to try?

Synonyms for the word disturb

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