Learn How to Pronounce adult

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adult

Definition:

(nou) a fully developed person from maturity onward (nou) any mature animal

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈædʌlt

Examples:

I am the mature adult in the room.

The eggs are carried in the mouth of the adult as they mature.

It is persistance to adult age of congenital infection in the heifer.

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adult

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: adult

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Common mistakes of adult pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "a-DULT" instead of the correct "AD-ult" /ˈæd.ʌlt/ (US) or /ˈæd.ʌlt/ (UK). Tip: Emphasize the first syllable for clarity.
  2. Pronouncing the "a" incorrectly: Some pronounce "adult" with a long "a," saying "ah-DULT" /əˈdʌlt/. This is not standard. Tip: Use the short "a" sound as in "cat" /æ/ for the first syllable.
  3. Omitting the "t" sound: A common mistake is dropping the "t," pronouncing it as "a-dull" /əˈdʌl/. This changes the meaning and makes it unclear. Tip: Ensure you articulate the "t" clearly to maintain the word's integrity.
  4. Confusing with "adopt": Some confuse "adult" with "adopt," leading to mispronunciation. "Adult" is pronounced /ˈæd.ʌlt/, while "adopt" is /əˈdɑpt/. Tip: Pay attention to the vowel sounds and syllable stress to distinguish between the two.
  5. Overemphasizing the "d": Some speakers say "a-DULT" with a heavy "d" sound, which can sound unnatural. The correct pronunciation is /ˈæd.ʌlt/. Tip: Keep the "d" soft and focus on the overall rhythm of the word.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "adult" in American English?

In American English, "adult" is pronounced as /əˈdʌlt/. The stress is on the second syllable, and the "a" sounds like the schwa /ə/, while the "u" is pronounced like the "u" in "cup."

What is the British pronunciation of "adult"?

In British English, "adult" is pronounced as /ˈædʌlt/. Here, the stress is on the first syllable, and the "a" is pronounced like the "a" in "cat."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "adult"?

Many learners mistakenly stress the first syllable when saying "adult," especially in American English. Remember to place the stress on the second syllable: /əˈdʌlt/.

Does "adult" have a different pronunciation in casual speech?

In casual speech, "adult" may be pronounced more quickly, potentially sounding like /əˈdʌlt/ or even /ˈædʌlt/ in some dialects. However, the stress patterns typically remain the same.
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