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above

Definition:

(nou) an earlier section of a written text

Phonetic Transcription:

əˈbʌv

Examples:

The outer lip is sinuous, produced forward above.

On the front of the sarcophagus is the same inscription quoted above.

Colored lights and stobes lined the front of the wall above the setup.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: above

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Break above down into individual sounds such as əˈbʌv. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Common mistakes of above pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners may incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "a-ˈbove" instead of the correct "a-ˈbʌv". Tip: Remember, the stress is on the second syllable in "above".
  2. Vowel confusion: A common mistake is pronouncing "above" with a long "o" sound, as in "ō", leading to "a-ˈbove". The correct pronunciation uses the short "u" sound, /ʌ/. Tip: Focus on the /ʌ/ sound for clarity.
  3. Dropping the final sound: Some may say "abov" without the final "e" sound, which alters the word. In IPA, it should be "əˈbʌv". Tip: Always include the final "e" to maintain the correct pronunciation.
  4. Incorrect vowel length: Learners often confuse the vowel sounds in "above" with similar words. They might say "a-ˈbōv". The correct vowel sound is short, /ʌ/. Tip: Practice with other words that have the /ʌ/ sound to improve.
  5. Regional variations: In some regions, "above" may be pronounced with a more pronounced "a" sound, leading to "a-ˈbʌv" vs. "ə-ˈbʌv". Tip: Listen to native speakers to understand the variations and improve your own pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "above" in American English?

In American English, "above" is pronounced as /əˈbʌv/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, making it sound like "uh-BUV."

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

In British English, "above" is also pronounced as /əˈbʌv/, similar to American English. Both accents share the same stress pattern and vowel sounds.

What is the syllable structure of the word "above"?

The word "above" has two syllables: "a" and "bove." It is pronounced with the first syllable being a schwa sound, /ə/, which is common in unstressed syllables.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "above"?

Some learners may mistakenly emphasize the first syllable instead of the second, saying "AB-ove" instead of "a-BUV." Remember to place the stress on the second syllable for correct pronunciation.
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