Learn How to Pronounce aghast

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aghast

Phonetic Transcription:

əˈɡɑːst

Examples:

I'm aghast at her shamelessness.

The doctor and the schoolmaster are aghast at this revelation.

I am slightly aghast at the nature of this article.

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aghast

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: aghast

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Common mistakes of aghast pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable in "aghast" as /əˈɡæst/. This leads to confusion. Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable: /əˈɡæst/ in US and UK pronunciation.
  2. Ignoring the vowel sound: Some might pronounce "aghast" with a short "a" sound, like "cat." The correct pronunciation features a broad "a" as in "father." Tip: Focus on the /æ/ sound in the first syllable for clarity.
  3. Overemphasizing the "h": A common mistake is to pronounce "aghast" with a strong "h" sound, making it sound like "ah-gast." This alters its meaning. Tip: The "h" is silent; pronounce it as /əˈɡæst/ without emphasizing the "h."
  4. Confusing it with similar words: Some confuse "aghast" with "aghast," using it interchangeably with "astonished." While related, they aren't synonyms. Tip: Remember that "aghast" conveys shock or horror, while "astonished" is more about surprise.
  5. Incorrectly pronouncing the ending: A frequent error is mispronouncing the "t" at the end of "aghast," making it sound like "aghast." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Ensure the final "t" is clear and pronounced as /t/ in both US and UK versions.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "aghast"?

You pronounce "aghast" as /əˈɡæst/ in American English and /əˈɡɑːst/ in British English. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "gast."

What does the "a" in "aghast" sound like?

In "aghast," the "a" is pronounced as a schwa /ə/ in the first syllable, making it sound softer and less emphasized. This is common in many English words where the unstressed syllable is less prominent.

Is there a silent letter in "aghast"?

No, there are no silent letters in "aghast." Each letter is pronounced, contributing to the overall sound of the word.

How many syllables are in "aghast"?

"aghast" has two syllables: "a" and "ghast." The division is clear, with the second syllable receiving the primary stress.
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