Learn How to Pronounce clandestine

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clandestine

Phonetic Transcription:

klænˈdestɪn

Examples:

The spy does clandestine works.

In the context of tradecraft, covert and clandestine are not synonymous.

He is one of the directors of a clandestine Catholic organization.

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clandestine

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: clandestine

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Common mistakes of clandestine pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many people stress the second syllable, saying "clan-ˈdestine". This is incorrect. The primary stress is on the first syllable: "ˈclan.dəs.tɪn" (US) and "ˈklæn.dɛs.tɪn" (UK). Tip: Focus on the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some pronounce "clandestine" with an "a" sound like in "cat". The correct pronunciation uses a schwa sound in the second syllable: "ˈclan.dəs.tɪn" (US) and "ˈklæn.dɛs.tɪn" (UK). Tip: Listen for the softer vowel in the second syllable.
  3. Omitting the final "e": A common error is to drop the final "e" sound, pronouncing it as "ˈclan.dəs.tin". The correct form includes the "e" sound: "ˈclan.dəs.tɪn" (US) and "ˈklæn.dɛs.tɪn" (UK). Tip: Make sure to articulate the final syllable clearly.
  4. Overemphasizing the "d": Some speakers put too much emphasis on the "d" in "clandestine", making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is smoother: "ˈclan.dəs.tɪn" (US) and "ˈklæn.dɛs.tɪn" (UK). Tip: Keep the "d" soft and fluid in your speech.
  5. Conflating with "clandestiny": A mistake occurs when people confuse "clandestine" with "clandestiny", adding an extra syllable. The correct form is three syllables: "ˈclan.dəs.tɪn" (US) and "ˈklæn.dɛs.tɪn" (UK). Tip: Practice saying it slowly to reinforce the three-syllable structure.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "clandestine"?

In American English, "clandestine" is pronounced as /klænˈdɛs.tɪn/, with the stress on the second syllable. In British English, it can be pronounced as /klænˈdɛs.tɪn/ or /klænˈdɛs.tən/, where the last syllable may have a schwa sound.

What are the syllables in "clandestine"?

The word "clandestine" has three syllables: clan-des-tine. Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the primary stress on the second syllable, "des".

Are there any silent letters in "clandestine"?

No, there are no silent letters in "clandestine." Each letter is pronounced, making it straightforward for learners to articulate the word correctly.

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "clandestine"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often saying "CLAN-des-tine" instead of "clan-DES-tine." Additionally, some may confuse the ending, pronouncing it as "tine" instead of the correct "tɪn" or "tən" in British English.
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