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How to pronounce:
better
Definition:
(nou) something superior in quality or condition or effect (nou) someone who bets (nou) a superior person having claim to precedence (nou) the superior one of two alternatives
Phonetic Transcription:
ˈbetə
Examples:
The simpler the better is usually the best.
Convection increased and the outflow of the storm became better defined.
It is far better to creatively work out the best wording in each field.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: better
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Common mistakes of better pronunciation
- Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "be-'TTER" instead of "'BET-ter". This can confuse listeners. Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable, as indicated by IPA: /ˈbɛtər/ (US), /ˈbɛtə/ (UK).
- Dropping the second syllable: Saying "BET" instead of "BET-ter" can lead to misunderstandings. The second syllable is important for clarity. Tip: Practice saying the full word slowly to ensure you pronounce both syllables clearly.
- Overemphasizing the "t": Some people pronounce "better" with a strong "t" sound, making it sound like "be-'TAR". This is incorrect. Tip: Keep the "t" soft and quick, as shown in IPA: /ˈbɛtər/ (US), /ˈbɛtə/ (UK).
- Confusing with "bitter": Some learners mix up "better" with "bitter", pronouncing them similarly. This can change the meaning entirely. Tip: Focus on the vowel sound; "better" has a short "e" sound /ˈbɛtər/ (US), while "bitter" has a short "i" sound.
- Neglecting the schwa: Saying "BET-er" instead of "BET-ter" can sound unnatural. The second syllable often has a schwa sound. Tip: Practice the softer, unstressed sound in the second syllable, as represented in IPA: /ˈbɛtər/ (US), /ˈbɛtə/ (UK).