What is everything? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of everything

everythingpronoun

/ˈɛvrɪθɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of everything

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "everything" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

The word "everything" is actually made up of two words:

  • every - pronounced like "ev" (rhymes with "heaven") + "er-ee" (the long "e" sound)
  • thing - pronounced like "thing" (as in, a physical object)

2. Putting it Together:

  • "Ev" + "er-ee" - This part is pretty straightforward. Just say "ev" followed by the elongated "er-ee" sound.
  • "Thing" – Say this like you would normally say the word "thing."

3. The tricky part: The "v" sound

  • The "v" in "everything" is often dropped in American English. It's pronounced like "ee-very-thing." It's a very common and natural variation.

4. Full Pronunciation (with “v”):

[ɪˈvɛrɪˌθɪŋ] (This is the more “correct” pronunciation, if you want to be very precise.)

5. Common Pronunciation (without “v” - American English):

[iˈvɛrɪˌθɪŋ] (This is how most Americans pronounce it.)

Here's a breakdown of the sounds:

  • i – like the “i” in “bit”
  • ˈ – This symbol indicates a stressed syllable (it’s the loudest part of the word).
  • v – (often dropped)
  • ɛ – like the “e” in “bed” (a short “e” sound)
  • r – a light “r” sound (not a strong, rolled “r”)
  • ɪ – like the “i” in “bit”
  • θ – This is the "th" sound as in "thin." It's a voiceless dental fricative.
  • ŋ – This is the “ng” sound as in “sing.”

Resources to help you hear it:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Where are you from (what English dialect are you familiar with)? (e.g., American, British, Australian)

Usage and examples with the word everything in English

Let's break down how to use the word "everything" effectively in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different nuances.

1. As a General Pronoun (Referring to All Things)

This is the most common use. "Everything" means all of the things related to a particular subject or situation.

  • Example: "I lost my keys. Everything is gone!" (Meaning: all my belongings, all my possessions, everything important to me.)
  • Example: "Everything was beautiful at the beach - the sand, the sun, the waves."
  • Example: "He studied everything for the exam." (Meaning: all the material, all the topics.)

2. With Negative Expressions (Emphasizing Lack)

"Everything" is very common when expressing a negative – frustration, disappointment, or a feeling of completeness of something undesirable. This is a key aspect of its usage.

  • Example: "Everything was terrible! The food was cold, the service was slow, and the movie was boring." (You're emphasizing that all aspects of the experience were bad.)
  • Example: "Everything went wrong today." (Meaning: all the things that could possibly go wrong, did.)
  • Example: "Don't worry, everything will be okay." (Meaning: all the problems and difficulties will be resolved.)

3. As Part of Idioms & Phrases

“Everything” appears in several useful idioms:

  • “Everything and the kitchen sink”: This means a collection of random and often unnecessary things. "He threw everything and the kitchen sink at the project."
  • “Everything’s fine”: A common response to a question about how someone is doing, meant to reassure.
  • “Not everything is as it seems”: Meaning things aren't what they appear to be; there's more to the story.

4. Using "Everything" with Verbs (Less Common, but Important)

You can use "everything" after certain verbs, particularly those that describe a sweeping action:

  • “I’ve done everything I can.” (Meaning: I have done all that is possible.)
  • “They’ve spent everything they have.” (Meaning: They have used up all their money.)
  • “He’s given everything to the cause.” (Meaning: He has devoted all of his time, effort, and resources.)

Important Notes & Considerations:

  • Capitalization: “Everything” is not capitalized unless it's the first word of a sentence.

  • Formal vs. Informal: While "everything" is perfectly fine in everyday conversation, in very formal writing, you might consider using phrases like "all" or "all of the items" for a slightly more polished feel. However, "everything" is widely accepted in most contexts.

  • Contrast with "Something": "Everything" is the opposite of "something." “Something” implies at least one thing; “everything” implies all things.

Let's Practice!

Try rewriting these sentences using “everything” where it fits best:

  1. The room was a mess, with clothes, books, and papers everywhere.
  2. I tried my best to finish the project, but it was difficult.
  3. The weather was awful – rain, wind, and cold.

Answers:

  1. “Everything in the room was a mess.”
  2. “I’ve done everything I can to finish the project.”
  3. “Everything about the weather was awful – rain, wind, and cold.”

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific nuance of "everything" in more detail?
  • Practice other related vocabulary (like "all," "everything," and "nothing")?

Synonyms for the word everything

Idioms of the word everything

and everything
(informal)and so on; and other similar things
  • Have you got his name and address and everything?
  • She told me about the baby and everything.

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