What is entitle? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of entitle

entitleverb

/ɪnˈtʌɪtl//ɛnˈtʌɪtl/
Definition & pronunciation of entitle

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

1. Syllables:

The word "entitle" has three syllables:

  • en - like the beginning of "end"
  • til - like "till" (as in, "until")
  • -le - like "le" in "table"

2. Pronunciation (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

ˈentɪlɪt (This is the most accurate representation)

3. How to Say it Roughly (using English words):

  • en - as in "end"
  • til - as in "until"
  • le - as in "table" (short vowel, slightly unstressed)

Putting it together: "En-til-le"

Key Points & Tips:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("en"). You want to say "en" a little louder and longer than "til" and "le."
  • "Til" sound: Don't say "tea-l." It’s the same sound as in “until”.
  • Don’t over-elongate: While each syllable has a distinct sound, don’t drag it out too much. It should flow.

Resources to Listen:

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  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a specific sound you're finding difficult (e.g., the "til" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word entitle in English

Let's break down how to use the word "entitle" in English. It's a versatile word with a couple of key meanings.

1. To Give Someone a Right or Legal Claim (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: To grant someone a legal or official right to something; to bestow a privilege or legal claim.
  • Structure: Someone + Entitle + Something
  • Examples:
    • "Residents are entitled to free healthcare." (They have the right to receive it.)
    • "The contract entitles him to a bonus if he meets the sales targets." (He’s legally entitled to receive the bonus.)
    • "Employees are entitled to paid vacation time." (They have the right to take time off with pay.)
    • "By law, children entitled to an education." (They have a legal right to schooling)

2. To Consider Something as Belonging to Someone (More Informal)

  • Meaning: To consider something as appropriate or due to someone; to feel someone is deserving of something. This usage is slightly softer and often implies a sense of fairness.
  • Structure: Someone + Entitle + Something
  • Examples:
    • “I think you entitle yourself to a reward for all your hard work.” (You deserve a reward.)
    • “She entitles herself to a bit of sympathy after everything she's been through.” (She’s worthy of sympathy.)
    • “You don’t entitle us to feel sorry for you.” (It's appropriate for you to feel empathy)

Key Differences & Nuances:

  • Formal vs. Informal: The first usage (legal rights) is much more formal and precise. The second usage (deserving something) is more informal and subjective.
  • Legal Context: Use “entitle” when discussing legal rights, entitlements, or claims.
  • Tone: Be mindful of the tone you're aiming for. “Entitle” can sometimes sound a bit judgmental or presumptuous if used in the second, informal sense.

Synonyms (depending on the meaning):

  • For Legal Rights: grant, provide, bestow, allow, afford, guarantee
  • For Deserving Something: deserve, warrant, are due, are worthy of

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • In what context are you thinking of using “entitle”? (e.g., a legal document, a conversation, writing a story?)

Synonyms for the word entitle

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