Learn How to Pronounce ambition

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ambition

Definition:

(nou) a cherished desire (nou) a strong drive for success

Phonetic Transcription:

æmˈbɪʃən

Examples:

But his ambition was to become a tragedian.

His ambition was to become a tragedian.

His ambition was to conquer the world.

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ambition

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: ambition

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

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Common mistakes of ambition pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "am-BI-tion" instead of "AM-bi-tion" (/æmˈbɪʃən/ in US and UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
  2. Vowel sounds: Some pronounce the "i" as a long vowel, saying "am-bee-tion." The correct sound is a short "i" as in "bit" (/ɪ/). Tip: Focus on the short "i" sound for accuracy.
  3. Final "tion" sound: Learners may mispronounce "tion" as "shun" instead of the correct "shən" (/ʃən/). Tip: Practice the "tion" ending to ensure it sounds soft and smooth.
  4. Syllable division: Some speakers may add an extra syllable, saying "am-bi-tion" instead of "am-bi-tion." The correct pronunciation has only three syllables. Tip: Count the syllables while practicing to avoid adding unnecessary ones.
  5. Linking sounds: In fast speech, some forget to link the sounds between syllables, leading to "am-bition" instead of "am-bi-tion." Tip: Practice saying the word slowly, then gradually increase your speed while maintaining the smooth connection.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "ambition" correctly?

In American English, "ambition" is pronounced as /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/, with the stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is pronounced the same way, /æmˈbɪʃ.ən/, making it consistent across both dialects.

What is the syllable breakdown for "ambition"?

The word "ambition" has three syllables: "am," "bi," and "tion." You can break it down as /æm-ˈbɪʃ-ən/ to help with pronunciation.

Are there any common mistakes when saying "ambition"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, which should be on the second syllable: "bi." Saying it as /æm-ˈbɪʃ.ən/ instead of /ˈæm.bɪ.ʃən/ is crucial for clarity.

Does "ambition" have a schwa sound?

Yes, "ambition" features a schwa sound in the last syllable, pronounced as "ən." This makes the ending less emphasized and smoother when spoken.
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