ambulance - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
ambulance Word Meanings
- a vehicle for transporting sick or injured people
- a mobile medical unit
- an emergency service vehicle
ambulance Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
ambulance Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈæm.bjə.ləns/
US
/ˈæm.bjələns/
ambulance Word Etymology
ambulance = ambulo (to walk) + -ance (suffix indicating action/condition); From Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a vehicle that 'walks' quickly to help those in need, like a swift horse galloping to the rescue.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
When the siren rises behind you, you grip the steering wheel and move your body toward the shoulder, then turn the wheel and pull over. The engine cools, your breathing steadies, and your hands adjust the mirrors as you wait. The scene shifts as you hear the ambulance slice through traffic, and you keep space, set your hazard lights, and let the way clear.
Real Context
Ambulance is a noun for a vehicle designed to transport sick or injured people. In many English-speaking places it implies urgent medical care accompanying the transport, staffed by paramedics or nurses. You’ll hear phrases like call an ambulance or an ambulance arrived at the scene. The term also appears as emergency medical unit or ambulance service, but in everyday speech people usually say the ambulance or an ambulance rather than the longer formulations. Note that English uses definite article with a specific vehicle (the ambulance) but general references are simply ambulance. Regional differences about sirens and road rules can shape how you hear and respond in conversations.
Usage Reminders
- - Say 'an ambulance' for any ambulance; 'the ambulance' when referring to a specific one.
- - Pronounce with stress on the second syllable: am-BU-lance.
- - Use collocations like 'call an ambulance' or 'ambulance service' in formal writing.
- - Distinguish between 'ambulance' (vehicle) and 'emergency medical service' (system).
- - Be aware of regional phrasing: 'ambulance crew' or 'paramedics' depending on context.
Common Misconceptions
- Ambulance always means a hospital vehicle, not a service
- Ambulance and emergency are the same thing
- You must always say 'the ambulance' even when talking generally
- Ambulance is only for major emergencies
- Ambulance cannot be used as a count noun
Thinking Differences
English learners often assume ambulances are just general emergency vehicles rather than a specific transport unit with staff. They may overgeneralize phrases like 'the ambulance' to any emergency vehicle, or misremember that 'ambulance' always requires a call when it’s a general reference.
Learning Tips
- Practice with phrases: call an ambulance, ambulance crew, ambulance service
- Listen for context cues like sirens and road rules
- Note articles: the ambulance vs ambulance in general
- Learn common collocations: rush, emergency, hospital
- Use visual aids like pictures of emergency vehicles
- Play quick quizzes on vehicle-related vocabulary
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'ambulance'?
A.Piece of furniture
B.Cooking utensil
C.Insect species
D.Medical vehicle
Step 2: Usage
Which of the following is a correct sentence using the word 'ambulance'?
A.I need to buy some apples for the ambulance.
B.Let's take the ambulance to the park.
C.She painted the ambulance blue.
D.The ambulance arrived quickly at the scene.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'ambulance'?
A.Firetruck
B.Bicycle
C.Taxi
D.Airplane
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'ambulance'?
A.Hospital
B.Restaurant
C.Library
D.Coffee shop
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would you typically see an 'ambulance'?
A.Emergency medical response
B.School classroom
C.Construction site
D.Birthday party
Related Listening
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