What is injure? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of injure

injureverb

/ˈɪn(d)ʒə/
Definition & pronunciation of injure

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "injure." It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown, with phonetic transcriptions and tips:

1. Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

  • /ˈɪn.ʒər/ (This is the most accurate way to represent it)

2. Breakdown & Explanation:

  • ˈin: This part sounds like "in" as in "in a box." It's a short, clear "in" sound.
  • ʒər: This is the tricky part. Let's break it down further:
    • ʒ: This is a sound that doesn't exist in many English words. It's a voiced postalveolar fricative. Here's how to approximate it:
      • Say "sh" like in "shop."
      • Now, make that "sh" sound slightly further back in your mouth, almost like you're touching the roof of your mouth with the tip of your tongue. You should feel a bit of friction. Think of it as a softer, gentler "sh" than you use for "shop."
    • ər: This is the "er" sound, as in "her" or "stir." It's a schwa sound (a very short, neutral vowel).

3. Putting it together - A step-by-step guide:

  1. Say "in."
  2. Then, say the "sh" sound, but softer and further back in your mouth. (This is the key!)
  3. Finally, add the "er" sound.

4. Common Mispronunciations & How to Fix Them:

  • Saying "in-jur" (like "injury"): This is the most common mistake. Remember to include the "ʒ" sound.
  • Making the "j" sound: Don't pronounce the "j" – it's not there. Focus on the "sh" sound followed by the "er."
  • Over-emphasizing the "r": The "r" is very muted. Don't roll your tongue.

5. Listening Examples:

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

  • Where are you from? (Pronunciation can vary slightly depending on your native language).
  • Are there any specific parts of the word you find particularly difficult?

Usage and examples with the word injure in English

Let's break down how to use the word "injure" in English. It's a versatile word with a specific meaning, so understanding its nuances is helpful.

1. Core Meaning: To Cause Physical Harm

The most common usage of "injure" is to mean to cause physical harm or injury to someone or something. It implies a less serious injury than "harm" or "wound," often suggesting a bruise, sprain, or minor cut.

  • Example 1 (People): “He injured his ankle playing soccer.” (He twisted his ankle and caused it to be hurt.)
  • Example 2 (Objects): “The vase injured its delicate surface when it fell.” (The vase was damaged.)
  • Example 3 (Animals): “The dog injured his paw running through the thorns.”

2. As a Verb (To Cause)

It's a transitive verb – it needs a direct object (something that is being injured).

  • Structure: Subject + Verb (injure) + Object (what is being injured)

3. "Injure" vs. "Hurt":

This is a common point of confusion. While often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference:

  • Hurt: Generally refers to a feeling of pain or distress. It’s more about the experience of being hurt. (e.g., "I hurt my feelings.")
  • Injure: Specifically refers to the physical act of causing damage or harm. (e.g., "He injured his knee.")

4. "Injure" as Part of Phrases:

  • To injure oneself: To hurt or damage oneself accidentally. ("He injured himself trying to fix the shelf.")
  • To injure someone unintentionally: To harm someone without meaning to. ("I injured her arm accidentally when I was reaching for the book.")

5. Less Common Usage (Legal Context):

"Injure" can also be used in a legal context, particularly in intellectual property law. It means to deprive someone of their rights or interests, such as copyright or trademark.

  • Example: “The company injured the artist's copyright by using her image without permission.” (This is a more formal and specific use).

Let's Practice!

Here are some sentences where you can try to use "injure" correctly:

  1. The storm caused a tree to ______ its branches.
  2. She didn't mean to, but she accidentally ______ his arm.
  3. He worries he might ______ his back lifting the heavy box.

Answers to Practice Sentences:

  1. injure
  2. injure
  3. injure

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Focus on a specific context (e.g., sports, accidents)?
  • Help you practice using "injure" in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word injure

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