Learn How to Pronounce betray

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betray

Phonetic Transcription:

bɪˈtreɪ

Examples:

Will the compass betray Elizabeth in the future

Instead, they decided to betray the gamblers and keep the cash.

It in turn convinces Saaphyri to betray The Entertainer in the vault.

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betray

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: betray

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Common mistakes of betray pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners may place stress on the second syllable, saying "be-ˈtray" instead of the correct "be-ˈtreɪ". Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the last syllable in "betray".
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing the "ay" as "a" or "e", resulting in "be-ˈtraɪ" or "be-ˈtre". Tip: Focus on the long "a" sound, represented as /eɪ/, to pronounce "betray" accurately.
  3. Overemphasizing the "b": Some may pronounce "betray" with an exaggerated "b" sound, making it sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "b" soft and smooth, ensuring it flows into the rest of the word.
  4. Omitting the final sound: Learners sometimes drop the final "y" sound, saying "be-ˈtre" instead of "be-ˈtreɪ". Tip: Make sure to clearly articulate the ending to ensure clarity in communication.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Some might confuse "betray" with "betrayed", leading to incorrect pronunciation. Tip: Remember that "betray" is pronounced /bɪˈtreɪ/ in both US and UK English, while "betrayed" has a different vowel sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "betray" in American English?

In American English, "betray" is pronounced as /bɪˈtreɪ/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which rhymes with "day."

What is the British pronunciation of "betray"?

In British English, "betray" is also pronounced as /bɪˈtreɪ/. The stress pattern remains the same, emphasizing the second syllable.

Does "betray" have a schwa sound in it?

No, "betray" does not contain a schwa sound. The vowel sound in the first syllable is a short "i" as in "bit," not a schwa.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "betray"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying /ˈbɪtreɪ/ instead of /bɪˈtreɪ/. It's important to emphasize the second syllable to pronounce it correctly.
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