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How to Say Person: Pronunciation, Definition

Learn how to pronounce person, its meaning, origin, and usage tips. Find synonyms and phrases for clarity.

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How to Pronounce Person

 

Pronunciation of Person

 

  • Sound Overview: "Person" is pronounced as "PUR-sun".

  • First Syllable ("pur"): Start by saying a short "puh" sound, then blend it with a soft "r" so it sounds like "pur". It should be slightly stressed.

  • Second Syllable ("sun"): The second part sounds like the word "sun" (the same word for the star). It is lighter and less emphasized.

  • Phonetic Guide: In phonetic symbols, it can be written as /ˈpɜːr.sən/ (in British English) or /ˈpɝ.sən/ (in American English).

  • Practice Tips:

    • Step 1: Say "pur" clearly, feeling the emphasis on this syllable.

    • Step 2: Say "sun" quickly and lightly.

    • Step 3: Combine the two smoothly into one word.

  • Common Mistake: Many learners might overemphasize the second syllable. Keep "sun" soft and brief.

 

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What Does Person Mean

 

Definition of "Person"

 

  • Basic Meaning: A person is a human being, an individual like you or I.

  • General Use: We use the word person when talking about one human being, especially when we do not need to mention a specific name or role.

  • Context in Conversation: When someone says "That person is kind," they refer to a human who shows kind behavior.

  • Everyday Examples: You might use it when you see someone on the street or when describing someone in a room. For instance, "There is a person waiting outside."

  • Additional Uses: The word can be used in different contexts like business person, historical person, or simply anyone who is part of the human species.

 

 

Definition of "Person"

 

  • Basic Meaning: A person is a human being, an individual like you or I.

  • General Use: We use the word person when talking about one human being, especially when we do not need to mention a specific name or role.

  • Context in Conversation: When someone says "That person is kind," they refer to a human who shows kind behavior.

  • Everyday Examples: You might use it when you see someone on the street or when describing someone in a room. For instance, "There is a person waiting outside."

  • Additional Uses: The word can be used in different contexts like business person, historical person, or simply anyone who is part of the human species.

 

The Origin of the Word Person

 

Origin of the Word "Person"

 

  • Latin Roots: The word "person" comes from the Latin word "persona".

  • Theater Connection: In ancient Rome, "persona" meant a mask used by actors during plays to show different characters.

  • Changing Meaning: Over time, the word moved from meaning just a mask to representing the role or character that the mask showed.

  • Modern Usage: Today, we use "person" to refer to a human being or an individual with their own identity.

  • Simple Idea: The term evolved from the idea of wearing a mask to show a part to the idea of having a role in society.

 

 

Origin of the Word "Person"

 

  • Latin Roots: The word "person" comes from the Latin word "persona".

  • Theater Connection: In ancient Rome, "persona" meant a mask used by actors during plays to show different characters.

  • Changing Meaning: Over time, the word moved from meaning just a mask to representing the role or character that the mask showed.

  • Modern Usage: Today, we use "person" to refer to a human being or an individual with their own identity.

  • Simple Idea: The term evolved from the idea of wearing a mask to show a part to the idea of having a role in society.

 

What to Say Instead Person

Individual

 

  • Similarity: Emphasizes a single, distinct human being, much like the general term "person".

  • Usage in context: "Each individual contributes uniquely to the community."

Individual

 

  • Similarity: Emphasizes a single, distinct human being, much like the general term "person".

  • Usage in context: "Each individual contributes uniquely to the community."

Human

 

  • Similarity: Pertains to a member of the species Homo sapiens and is used interchangeably with "person" in many contexts.

  • Usage in context: "Every human has the right to freedom and dignity."

Human

 

  • Similarity: Pertains to a member of the species Homo sapiens and is used interchangeably with "person" in many contexts.

  • Usage in context: "Every human has the right to freedom and dignity."

Being

 

  • Similarity: A broad term that refers to any living creature, often used to denote existence, including a person.

  • Usage in context: "The debate centered on what it means to be a conscious being."

Being

 

  • Similarity: A broad term that refers to any living creature, often used to denote existence, including a person.

  • Usage in context: "The debate centered on what it means to be a conscious being."

Fellow

 

  • Similarity: Informal synonym that can denote a person, often used to imply camaraderie or kinship.

  • Usage in context: "He is a kind fellow who always helps his neighbors."

Fellow

 

  • Similarity: Informal synonym that can denote a person, often used to imply camaraderie or kinship.

  • Usage in context: "He is a kind fellow who always helps his neighbors."

Personage

 

  • Similarity: A somewhat formal synonym referring to a person, often highlighting notable or distinguished qualities.

  • Usage in context: "The museum featured a portrait of a famous personage from the 18th century."

Personage

 

  • Similarity: A somewhat formal synonym referring to a person, often highlighting notable or distinguished qualities.

  • Usage in context: "The museum featured a portrait of a famous personage from the 18th century."

Character

 

  • Similarity: While it often refers to the traits of a person, it is also used to describe a person, especially in literary contexts.

  • Usage in context: "The novel introduced a memorable character who defied societal expectations."

 

Character

 

  • Similarity: While it often refers to the traits of a person, it is also used to describe a person, especially in literary contexts.

  • Usage in context: "The novel introduced a memorable character who defied societal expectations."

 

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Common Phrases and Examples with Person

1. Sentence: The person at the door smiled at me.

 

Explanation: This sentence shows 'person' used to mean an individual. It tells us someone at the door smiled.

1. Sentence: The person at the door smiled at me.

 

Explanation: This sentence shows 'person' used to mean an individual. It tells us someone at the door smiled.

2. Sentence: She is a kind person who helps others.

 

Explanation: Here, 'person' describes an individual known for being kind and helpful.

2. Sentence: She is a kind person who helps others.

 

Explanation: Here, 'person' describes an individual known for being kind and helpful.

3. Sentence: Every person in the class has a unique talent.

 

Explanation: In this sentence, 'person' refers to each individual in the class.

3. Sentence: Every person in the class has a unique talent.

 

Explanation: In this sentence, 'person' refers to each individual in the class.

4. Sentence: The person in the red shirt is my friend.

 

Explanation: This sentence uses 'person' to point to a specific individual wearing a red shirt.

4. Sentence: The person in the red shirt is my friend.

 

Explanation: This sentence uses 'person' to point to a specific individual wearing a red shirt.

5. Sentence: A person who reads a lot learns many things.

 

Explanation: Here, 'person' is used to talk about an individual who gains knowledge from reading.

5. Sentence: A person who reads a lot learns many things.

 

Explanation: Here, 'person' is used to talk about an individual who gains knowledge from reading.

6. Sentence: Each person must follow the rules.

 

Explanation: This sentence uses 'person' to mean every individual, emphasizing the idea that all people must obey the rules.

6. Sentence: Each person must follow the rules.

 

Explanation: This sentence uses 'person' to mean every individual, emphasizing the idea that all people must obey the rules.

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