Learn How to Pronounce bullying

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bullying

Definition:

(nou) the act of intimidating a weaker person to make them do something

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈbʊlɪɪŋ

Examples:

Vicious bullying and relentless teasing was the order of the day.

The most common form of teasing is verbal bullying or taunting.

In 2004, the court heard a case of bullying and harassment in the workplace.

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bullying

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Common mistakes of bullying pronunciation

  1. Incorrect vowel sound: Many pronounce "bullying" with an incorrect vowel sound, saying "bullying" as /ˈbʌlɪŋ/ instead of the correct /ˈbʊlɪŋ/ in US English. Tip: Focus on the "u" sound, similar to "pull".
  2. Misplacing stress: Some people place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "bullying" as /bəˈlɪŋ/. The correct stress is on the first syllable, /ˈbʊlɪŋ/. Tip: Emphasize "bul" more than "ly".
  3. Omitting the "g": A common mistake is pronouncing "bullying" as "bullyin'" by dropping the "g" sound. The correct pronunciation includes the "g" as /ˈbʊlɪŋ/. Tip: Make sure to articulate the "g" clearly.
  4. Overemphasizing the "l": Some speakers overemphasize the "l" in "bullying," making it sound unnatural, as in /ˈbʊlɪŋ/. The correct pronunciation is smoother with a balanced "l" sound. Tip: Keep the "l" light and quick.
  5. Confusing with "bully": People sometimes confuse "bullying" with "bully" and pronounce it as /ˈbʌli/. The correct form is /ˈbʊlɪŋ/, which includes the "-ing" ending. Tip: Remember to add the "-ing" sound at the end.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "bullying"?

The pronunciation of "bullying" is /ˈbʊl.i.ɪŋ/ in both American and British English. The primary stress is on the first syllable "bul", which sounds like "bull", followed by a quick "i" sound and ending with "ing".

Is there a schwa sound in "bullying"?

Yes, the second syllable of "bullying" contains a schwa sound. In this case, the "i" is pronounced quickly and softly, making it sound like "bul-ə-ing" in some accents, but it is still recognized as "bullying".

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "bullying"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as stressing the second syllable instead of the first. Remember that the correct pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable: "bul" as in "bull", not "li" or "ing".

Does "bullying" have regional pronunciation differences?

While the pronunciation of "bullying" is largely consistent across regions, some accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds. However, the primary stress remains on the first syllable, making it recognizable regardless of the accent.