Learn How to Pronounce approximately

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

approximately

Phonetic Transcription:

əˈprɒksɪmətli

Examples:

The base of the pillar is approximately.

Learn more about:

approximately

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: approximately

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say approximately in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say approximately in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with approximately.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of approximately pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "a-PROX-i-mate-ly" instead of "ap-PROX-i-mate-ly" /əˈprɒk.sɪ.mət.li/ (UK) /əˈprɑːk.sɪ.mət.li/ (US). Tip: Focus on placing the primary stress on the third syllable.
  2. Overemphasizing the vowels: Some speakers overly elongate the vowels, making "approximately" sound like "a-pro-xim-a-te-lee." This can lead to confusion. Tip: Keep the vowels short and clear, especially in unstressed syllables.
  3. Dropping the "x": A common mistake is pronouncing "approximately" as "aproximately," omitting the "x." This changes the word's clarity. Tip: Practice saying the "x" clearly, as in "ex" to maintain correct pronunciation.
  4. Incorrectly pronouncing the "t": Some learners say "approximately" with a soft "t," like "approximately" instead of the clear "t" sound /t/. Tip: Ensure the "t" is pronounced crisply to avoid miscommunication.
  5. Confusing the "m" and "n": Occasionally, speakers may pronounce "approximately" with an "n" sound, saying "aproximately." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Pay attention to the "m" sound; it should be pronounced distinctly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "approximately" in American English?

In American English, "approximately" is pronounced as /əˈprɒk.sɪ.mət.li/ with the primary stress on the second syllable "prɒk". The "a" in the first syllable is a schwa sound, which sounds like "uh".

What is the UK pronunciation of "approximately"?

In British English, "approximately" is also pronounced as /əˈprɒk.sɪ.mət.li/. The stress pattern remains the same, with the primary stress on the second syllable. The vowel sounds may vary slightly depending on regional accents.

How many syllables are in "approximately"?

The word "approximately" has five syllables: ap-prox-i-mate-ly. Each syllable is pronounced clearly, making it easier for learners to break down the word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "approximately"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often placing it on the wrong syllable, which can lead to confusion. Remember to stress the second syllable "prɒk" for clarity in both American and British pronunciations.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime