Learn How to Pronounce asterisk

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asterisk

Definition:

(nou) a star-shaped character * used in printing

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈæstərɪsk

Examples:

The asterisk symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem.

The asterisk represents the Kleene star operation.

The asterisk indicates the living.

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asterisk

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: asterisk

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

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Common mistakes of asterisk pronunciation

  1. Incorrect stress placement: Many learners place stress on the second syllable, saying "as-TER-isk". The correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈæs.tə.rɪsk/ in US and /ˈæs.tə.rɪsk/ in UK. Tip: Emphasize "as" when pronouncing "asterisk".
  2. Mispronouncing the vowel sound: Some mistakenly pronounce the first vowel as "ay" instead of "a". The correct pronunciation has a short "a" sound, as in /ˈæs.tə.rɪsk/. Tip: Practice saying "cat" to get the right "a" sound.
  3. Omitting the middle syllable: A common mistake is to say "as-risk" instead of "as-ter-isk". This skips the middle syllable, which is essential for clarity. Tip: Break the word into three parts to ensure you include all syllables.
  4. Confusing "asterisk" with "asteroid": Some learners mix up these words, leading to mispronunciation. "Asterisk" has a distinct "isk" ending, while "asteroid" ends with "oid". Tip: Remember that "asterisk" relates to symbols, while "asteroid" relates to space.
  5. Overemphasizing the "k" sound: Some speakers pronounce "asterisk" with an exaggerated "k" at the end, sounding like "as-ter-isk". The correct pronunciation is softer, as in /ˈæs.tə.rɪsk/. Tip: Focus on a smooth transition from "r" to "isk".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "asterisk"?

In American English, "asterisk" is pronounced as /ˈæs.tə.rɪsk/ with the primary stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is pronounced the same way, /ˈæs.tə.rɪsk/, so there is no difference in pronunciation between the two variants.

What are the syllables in the word "asterisk"?

The word "asterisk" has three syllables: "as," "te," and "risk." You can break it down as /ˈæs.tə.rɪsk/, emphasizing the first syllable.

Is there a silent letter in "asterisk"?

There are no silent letters in "asterisk." Every letter in the word is pronounced clearly, making it straightforward to say.

What common mistakes do people make when pronouncing "asterisk"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /ˌæs.təˈrɪsk/ instead of the correct /ˈæs.tə.rɪsk/. It's important to stress the first syllable to sound natural.
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