Learn How to Pronounce cancel

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cancel

Definition:

(nou) a notation cancelling a previous sharp or flat

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈkænsəl

Examples:

It was an astute move to cancel the auction.

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cancel

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: cancel

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Common mistakes of cancel pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "can-ˈcel". In both US and UK English, the primary stress is on the first syllable: "ˈkæn.səl". Tip: Practice saying "cancel" with emphasis on "can".
  2. Omitting the vowel sound: A common mistake is dropping the vowel sound in the second syllable, pronouncing it as "ˈkæn.sl" instead of "ˈkæn.səl". Tip: Ensure you pronounce both syllables clearly, maintaining the "ə" sound.
  3. Confusing with similar words: Learners sometimes confuse "cancel" with "counsel", leading to mispronunciation. "Cancel" is pronounced "ˈkæn.səl", while "counsel" is "ˈkaʊn.səl". Tip: Focus on the vowel sounds to differentiate between the two.
  4. Incorrect vowel pronunciation: Some may pronounce the first syllable as "ˈkɑn" instead of "ˈkæn". The correct pronunciation in both US and UK is "ˈkæn". Tip: Practice with words like "man" or "fan" to get the "æ" sound right.
  5. Ending sound confusion: A mistake is pronouncing the ending as "l" instead of "əl", leading to "ˈkæn.səl" sounding like "ˈkæn.sl". Tip: Pay attention to the "ə" sound at the end to ensure clarity in your pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "cancel"?

The pronunciation of "cancel" is /ˈkæn.səl/ in both American and British English. The first syllable, "can," is stressed and sounds like "kan," while the second syllable, "cel," has a softer, unstressed sound, similar to "suhl."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "cancel" between US and UK English?

No, the pronunciation of "cancel" is the same in both American and British English, which is /ˈkæn.səl/. The stress pattern and vowel sounds are consistent across these dialects.

Does "cancel" have a schwa sound in its pronunciation?

Yes, "cancel" contains a schwa sound in the second syllable, pronounced as /səl/. The schwa is an unstressed vowel sound that often appears in English, making the second syllable sound softer and less prominent.

Are there any common mistakes people make when pronouncing "cancel"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /kænˈsəl/ instead of /ˈkæn.səl/. It's important to emphasize the first syllable to sound correct and natural when saying "cancel."