What is ending? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of ending

endingnoun

/ˈɛndɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of ending

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ending" in English. Here's a breakdown, with a focus on common pronunciation:

Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈɛndɪŋ
    • ˈɛnd - This part is key. It sounds like "end" as in "the end of the road." The 'e' is short and almost silent.
    • -ɪŋ - This is a suffix. It sounds like "ing" as in "singing," but with a more distinct and fuller "i" sound.

British English Pronunciation:

  • ˈɛndɪŋ - very similar to the American pronunciation. The primary difference is sometimes a slightly softer "end" sound and a slightly more drawn out "ing" sound.

Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable – "END."
  • "End" Sound: Make sure you say "end" like the word, not "en-ding" as separate words.
  • "Ing" Sound: The "-ing" at the end creates a slightly buzzing or vibrating sound in your throat. Think of how you say "singing" or "running" – it's that similar.

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word ending in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ending" in English. It's a very versatile word with quite a few different meanings and ways to incorporate it into your sentences.

1. As a Noun (Things that come at the end):

  • The Final Outcome/Result: This is the most common use.

    • "The ending of the movie was shocking!" (Referring to the final scene)
    • "What’s the ending to this story?" (Asking about the conclusion)
    • "The ending of the war was peaceful."
    • "The ending of the negotiation was a compromise."

  • A Conclusion or Finish:

    • "He gave a brief ending to his speech." (A concluding paragraph or statement)
    • "The ending of the class was a quiz."

  • Parts of Things:

    • "The ending of the rope frayed." (The end of the rope)
    • "The ending of the road was obscured by fog." (The furthest point of the road)
    • "She painted the ending of the table." (The part closest to the floor)

  • A Part of a Cycle/Process:

    • "The ending of the digestive system." (A specific part of a system)
    • "The ending phase of the project." (A stage in a process)

2. As a Verb (To bring to an end):

  • To Finish Something: This is the main meaning of "to end."

    • "Please end the meeting."
    • "Don’t end the phone call without saying goodbye."
    • "He ended the game early."
    • "She ended her letter with a thank you."

  • To Cause Something to Stop:

    • “The rain ended, and the sun came out.”
    • “The conflict ended after years of fighting.”

  • To Conclude (Formal): (More formal than “finish”)

    • “Let me end by thanking you all for your support.”

3. Phrases with “Ending”:

  • Happy Ending: (A positive conclusion to a story) "The book had a happy ending."
  • Bittersweet Ending: (A sad or difficult conclusion with some positive elements) “The movie had a bittersweet ending.”
  • Cliffhanger Ending: (A story ending that leaves the audience with unresolved suspense) "The show ended on a cliffhanger!"
  • Open Ending: (An ending that deliberately leaves the outcome uncertain) "The novel had an open ending, leaving the reader to imagine what happened next."

Tips for Using "Ending" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of “ending” changes depending on how it’s used. Pay attention to the surrounding words.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “conclusion,” “finish,” “outcome,” “result,” or “termination” to avoid repetition and make your writing more varied.

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Synonyms for the word ending

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