Learn How to Pronounce alibi

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alibi

Definition:

(nou) a defense by an accused person purporting to show that he or she could not have committed the crime in question (nou) a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈæləbaɪ

Examples:

The alibi is later found to be false.

You've confirmed the alibi of the defendant.

The police believed that the alibi of the fifth suspect was unconvincing.

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alibi

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Common mistakes of alibi pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "al-i-ˈbi". The correct pronunciation is "ˈæl.ɪ.baɪ" with stress on the first syllable. Tip: Practice saying "AL-i-bi" to emphasize the first part.
  2. Vowel confusion: A common mistake is mispronouncing the first vowel, saying "ˈɑː.lɪ.baɪ" instead of "ˈæl.ɪ.baɪ". This can happen if learners confuse "a" sounds. Tip: Focus on the short "a" sound in "cat" when pronouncing "alibi".
  3. Dropping syllables: Some may say "ˈæl.baɪ", omitting the middle syllable. This can lead to misunderstandings. The correct pronunciation includes all three syllables: "ˈæl.ɪ.baɪ". Tip: Break it down into three parts to practice clarity.
  4. Incorrect final sound: Learners might pronounce the last syllable as "bi" instead of "baɪ", leading to "ˈæl.ɪ.bi". The correct ending is "baɪ". Tip: Remember that "alibi" ends with the same sound as "high".
  5. Overemphasizing the "i": Some people stress the "i" too much, saying "ˈæl.ɪˌbi". The right pronunciation is more balanced, with a clear first syllable. Tip: Keep the first syllable strong and maintain a lighter touch on the "i".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "alibi"?

You pronounce "alibi" as /ˈæl.ɪ.baɪ/ in both American and British English. The stress is on the first syllable, "al."

What is the syllable breakdown for "alibi"?

The word "alibi" has three syllables: "al," "i," and "bi." You can break it down as /ˈæl.ɪ.baɪ/, with a clear emphasis on the first syllable.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "alibi"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "a-li-bi" instead of "AL-i-bi." Remember to keep the stress on the first syllable for correct pronunciation.

Is there a schwa sound in "alibi"?

Yes, the second syllable in "alibi" contains a schwa sound, pronounced as /ɪ/. This makes it sound softer and less emphasized compared to the first syllable.
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