Learn How to Pronounce believe

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believe

Phonetic Transcription:

bɪˈliːv

Examples:

People who believe in optimism think positively.

I don't think that people who don't believe the argument should garble it.

People believe that the rumor is picayune.

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believe

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: believe

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Common mistakes of believe pronunciation

  1. Incorrect vowel sound: Many learners mispronounce "believe" by using a short vowel sound, saying /bɪˈliːv/ instead of the correct /bɪˈliːv/ (US) or /bɪˈliːv/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the long "e" sound, stretching it slightly.
  2. Stress misplacement: Some people place stress on the first syllable, saying "BE-lieve" rather than the correct "be-LIEVE." This can lead to confusion. Tip: Remember that the second syllable is stressed, which is common in words ending with "-ieve."
  3. Overemphasizing the "v": Learners often pronounce the "v" in "believe" too harshly, making it sound more like a "w." The correct pronunciation is /bɪˈliːv/. Tip: Keep the "v" soft and smooth, without overemphasizing it.
  4. Adding an extra syllable: Some may mistakenly say "be-lieve" with an added vowel sound, making it sound like three syllables instead of the correct two. Tip: Practice saying "believe" quickly to ensure it remains a two-syllable word.
  5. Neglecting the "l" sound: A common mistake is to skip the "l" sound, pronouncing it as "bee-ieve." This alters the word's clarity. Tip: Clearly articulate the "l" in "believe" to maintain proper pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "believe"?

In American English, "believe" is pronounced as /bɪˈliːv/, with the stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is pronounced the same way, /bɪˈliːv/, keeping the stress on the second syllable as well.

What are the syllables in "believe"?

The word "believe" has two syllables: "be" and "lieve." The first syllable is a short "b" sound followed by a schwa, and the second syllable has a long "ee" sound.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "believe"?

Many learners may confuse the vowel sound in the first syllable, pronouncing it as "buh" instead of "bee." Remember to use the short "i" sound /bɪ/ for the correct pronunciation.

Does "believe" have any silent letters?

No, there are no silent letters in "believe." Each letter contributes to the pronunciation, so make sure to pronounce all the sounds clearly.
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