Learn How to Pronounce abacus

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abacus

Definition:

(nou) a tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave (nou) a calculator that performs arithmetic functions by manually sliding counters on rods or in grooves

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈæbəkəs

Examples:

It doesn't actually do the calculating, that's left up to the abacus operator.

The abacus article clearly states that the first abacus was a sand table.

The abacus is developed in Japan.

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abacus

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: abacus

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Common mistakes of abacus pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ˈæb.ə.kəs". In both US and UK English, the stress is on the first syllable: "ˈæb.ə.kəs". Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable to sound natural.
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: The first syllable may be pronounced with an incorrect vowel, like "æ" in "cat" instead of the correct "æ" in "abacus". This can lead to confusion. Tip: Practice saying "abacus" slowly to focus on the correct vowel sound.
  3. Omitting syllables: Some may pronounce "abacus" as "ˈæb.kəs", dropping the middle syllable. This omission can make the word hard to recognize. Tip: Break the word into syllables: "ab-a-cus" to ensure you pronounce all parts.
  4. Adding extra sounds: Learners sometimes add an unnecessary "h" sound, saying "ˈhæb.ə.kəs". This can distort the pronunciation. Tip: Focus on the smooth transition between syllables without adding extra sounds.
  5. Confusing with similar words: "Abacus" may be confused with "abduction" or "abnormal", leading to incorrect pronunciation. The key difference is in the syllable structure and stress. Tip: Familiarize yourself with the distinct sounds and syllable count of "abacus".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "abacus" in American English?

In American English, "abacus" is pronounced as /ˈæb.ə.kəs/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "ab."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "abacus" between British and American English?

Yes, in British English, "abacus" is pronounced as /ˈæb.ə.kəs/ as well, with the same primary stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation remains largely consistent between the two variants.

How many syllables are in the word "abacus"?

The word "abacus" has three syllables: "ab," "a," and "cus." You can break it down as /ˈæb.ə.kəs/, making it easy to pronounce.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "abacus"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, which should be on the first syllable, "ab." Some learners may also pronounce the second syllable too strongly, which can lead to confusion.