Learn How to Pronounce cant

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cant

Definition:

(nou) stock phrases that have become nonsense through endless repetition (nou) a slope in the turn of a road or track; the outside is higher than the inside in order to reduce the effects of centrifugal force (nou) a characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves) (nou) insincere talk about religion or morals (nou) two surfaces meeting at an angle different from 90 degrees

Phonetic Transcription:

kænt

Examples:

Who is responsible for such cant

They were not allowed to speak cant.

The children spoke cant in front of their parents.

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cant

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: cant

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of cant pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "cant" with an incorrect vowel sound, like /æ/ instead of /æ/ or /ɑː/. This can change the meaning. Tip: Focus on the correct vowel sound to maintain clarity.
  2. Incorrect stress placement: Stressing the wrong syllable can lead to confusion. "Cant" is stressed on the first syllable: /ˈkænt/ in US and /ˈkɑːnt/ in UK. Tip: Practice saying it with emphasis on the first syllable.
  3. Confusing with "can't": Many confuse "cant" with "can't", which has a different meaning and pronunciation. "Can't" includes a glottal stop. Tip: Remember that "cant" is pronounced without the "not" sound.
  4. Overemphasizing the "t": Some speakers may overpronounce the "t" at the end, making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is smoother: /ˈkænt/ or /ˈkɑːnt/. Tip: Keep the "t" crisp but not overly strong.
  5. Ignoring regional differences: "Cant" can be pronounced differently in various English dialects. For instance, US English often uses /ˈkænt/, while UK English may use /ˈkɑːnt/. Tip: Listen to native speakers from different regions to grasp these nuances.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "cant"?

In American English, "cant" is pronounced as /kænt/ with the stress on the single syllable. In British English, it is also pronounced the same way, /kænt/, ensuring clarity in both dialects.

What is the meaning of "cant"?

"cant" refers to insincere, especially conventional expressions of enthusiasm for high ideals, particularly in politics or religion. It can also mean a particular jargon or language used by a specific group.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "cant"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "cant" as /kɑːnt/, which may confuse it with the word "can't." Remember, "cant" has a short "a" sound, as in "cat."

Does "cant" have any silent letters?

No, "cant" does not have any silent letters. Each letter in the word is pronounced, making it straightforward for learners to say correctly.
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