Learn How to Pronounce brethren

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brethren

Definition:

(nou) the lay members of a male religious order

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈbreðrən

Examples:

The rule was requested by the brethren.

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brethren

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: brethren

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Common mistakes of brethren pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "breth-'ren" instead of the correct "ˈbrɛð.rən". Tip: Focus on the first syllable for proper emphasis.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: Some pronounce "brethren" with an "e" sound like in "beet", saying "ˈbriːð.rən". The correct vowel is a short "ɛ" as in "bed". Tip: Practice with words like "breath" to get the right vowel sound.
  3. Omitting the "th" sound: A common mistake is to pronounce "brethren" as "ˈbrɛd.rən", dropping the "th" sound. Tip: Ensure you articulate the "ð" sound clearly, as in "this".
  4. Mispronouncing the final syllable: Some say "brethren" with a clear "en" ending, like "ˈbrɛð.rin". The correct pronunciation uses a schwa sound, making it "rən". Tip: Listen for the softer ending in "sofa" to practice.
  5. Overemphasizing the "r": Learners sometimes pronounce "brethren" with a strong "r", sounding like "ˈbrɛð.rin". The "r" should be softer and more subtle. Tip: Try saying "better" to find the right balance.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "brethren" in American English?

In American English, "brethren" is pronounced as /ˈbrɛðərɪn/. The stress is on the first syllable, making it sound like "BRETH-er-in."

What is the British pronunciation of "brethren"?

In British English, "brethren" is also pronounced as /ˈbrɛðrɪn/, with a similar stress pattern. The main difference is the vowel sound in the second syllable, which may sound slightly more distinct.

Is there a schwa sound in "brethren"?

Yes, in "brethren," the second syllable can often be pronounced with a schwa sound, represented as /ə/. This makes the word sound more like "BRETH-ər-in" in casual speech.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "brethren"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress or pronouncing the second syllable too strongly. Remember, the correct pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable: "BRETH-er-in."
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