Learn How to Pronounce bully

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bully

Definition:

(nou) a cruel and brutal fellow (nou) a hired thug

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈbʊli

Examples:

Then the bully starts teasing both Pepe and Ana.

That is the trait of a psychopathic bully.

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bully

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: bully

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of bully pronunciation

  1. Incorrect vowel sound: Some may pronounce "bully" with a short "u" sound, like in "put" /pʊt/. This is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is /ˈbʊli/ in US and /ˈbʌli/ in UK. Tip: Focus on the "u" sound being more like "oo" in "foot".
  2. Misplaced stress: A common mistake is placing stress on the second syllable, saying "bul-ly" instead of "BUL-ly". The primary stress is on the first syllable. Tip: Emphasize the "BUL" when saying the word.
  3. Overemphasizing the "l": Some speakers may pronounce "bully" with an exaggerated "l" sound, making it sound like "bul-lee". The correct pronunciation is /ˈbʊli/ in US and /ˈbʌli/ in UK, with a smoother transition. Tip: Keep the "l" light and blend it into the following vowel.
  4. Dropping the final "y": Some might say "bull" instead of "bully", omitting the final sound. This changes the meaning entirely. The full pronunciation is /ˈbʊli/ in US and /ˈbʌli/ in UK. Tip: Always finish with the "y" sound to maintain clarity.
  5. Confusing with "bulk": It's easy to mix up "bully" with "bulk" due to similar starting sounds. "Bulk" has a different vowel sound /bʌlk/. Tip: Remember, "bully" has a double "l" and ends with an "ee" sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "bully" in American English?

In American English, "bully" is pronounced as /ˈbʊli/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "boo," followed by a quick "lee."

What is the UK pronunciation of "bully"?

In British English, "bully" is also pronounced as /ˈbʊli/, with the same stress pattern as in American English. The pronunciation remains consistent between the two dialects.

Does "bully" have any silent letters?

No, "bully" does not have any silent letters. Each letter is pronounced, making it straightforward for learners.

How many syllables are in the word "bully"?

The word "bully" has two syllables: "bul" and "ly." This makes it easy to break down and pronounce correctly.
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