Learn How to Pronounce apprehensive

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apprehensive

Phonetic Transcription:

ˌæprɪˈhensɪv

Examples:

I was apprehensive to strike the vote.

Melanie was apprehensive about the gesture.

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apprehensive

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: apprehensive

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Common mistakes of apprehensive pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ap-pre-HEN-sive." The correct stress is on the third syllable: /ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.sɪv/ (US) or /ˌæp.rɪˈhɛns.ɪv/ (UK). Tip: Focus on emphasizing "hence" to get it right.
  2. Vowel sounds: Some may pronounce the first vowel as "a" instead of "æ," saying "ap-pre-hen-sive." The correct vowel sound is /æ/ as in "cat." Tip: Practice saying "cat" to master this sound.
  3. Syllable count: A common mistake is adding an extra syllable, pronouncing it as "ap-pre-hen-sive" instead of "apprehensive." This makes it sound longer than it is. Tip: Count the syllables; it has four: "ap-pre-hen-sive."
  4. Ending sound: Learners might confuse the ending sound, pronouncing it as "apprehensive" with a soft "s." The correct ending is a clear "s" sound. Tip: Emphasize the last syllable to ensure clarity.
  5. Linking sounds: Some may struggle with the transition between syllables, leading to a choppy pronunciation. The correct flow is smooth between "appre" and "hensive." Tip: Practice saying the word slowly, then gradually increase your speed to maintain fluidity.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "apprehensive" in American English?

In American English, "apprehensive" is pronounced as /ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.sɪv/. The primary stress is on the third syllable, "hɛn," which helps to emphasize the feeling of anxiety or concern.

What is the British pronunciation of "apprehensive"?

In British English, "apprehensive" is pronounced the same way: /ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.sɪv/. There is no significant difference in pronunciation between the two variants.

How many syllables are in the word "apprehensive"?

The word "apprehensive" has five syllables: "ap-pre-hen-sive." Breaking it down this way can help with pronunciation and understanding the word's structure.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "apprehensive"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often saying "ap-pre-'hen-sive" instead of "ap-pre-'hɛn-sive." Be sure to emphasize the "hɛn" syllable to pronounce it correctly.
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