Learn How to Pronounce clergy

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clergy

Definition:

(nou) in Christianity, clergymen collectively (as distinguished from the laity)

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈklɜːdʒi

Examples:

The priests ordained belong to the secular clergy of the diocese.

The clergy openly attacked the decree.

The clergy vest is a form of waistcoat.

Learn more about:
clergy

Related Words:

priest

bishop

How to perfect your pronunciation of: clergy

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Common mistakes of clergy pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some may incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "cler-GY" instead of the correct "CLER-gy" (ˈklɜr.dʒi in US, ˈklɜː.dʒi in UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable.
Overpronouncing the "g": People might exaggerate the "g" sound, saying "clerg-ee" instead of "clergy" (ˈklɜr.dʒi in US, ˈklɜː.dʒi in UK). Tip: Keep the "g" soft and blend it into the "j" sound.
Ignoring the vowel sound: Some may pronounce "clergy" with a short "e" sound, as in "clur-gee." The correct pronunciation uses a schwa, sounding like "CLER-gy." Tip: Focus on the "er" vowel sound.
Confusing with similar words: Individuals might confuse "clergy" with "clergyman" or "clergymen," altering the pronunciation. "Clergy" (ˈklɜr.dʒi in US, ˈklɜː.dʒi in UK) is distinct. Tip: Practice saying "clergy" separately to reinforce its unique sound.
Adding extra syllables: Some might mistakenly say "clerg-y" as if it has three syllables. The correct pronunciation is two syllables: "CLER-gy" (ˈklɜr.dʒi in US, ˈklɜː.dʒi in UK). Tip: Break it down into two clear parts for clarity.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "clergy"?

The word "clergy" is pronounced as /ˈklɜr.dʒi/ in both American and British English, with the stress on the first syllable. The "cl" sounds like "k" followed by "l," and the "g" is soft, like a "j."

Is there a schwa sound in "clergy"?

Yes, the second syllable of "clergy" contains a schwa sound, represented by the "e" in the IPA transcription /ˈklɜr.dʒi/. This sound is pronounced like a quick, neutral "uh," making the second syllable less emphasized.

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "clergy"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress on the second syllable, pronouncing it as /klɜrˈdʒi/. Remember to stress the first syllable instead, as this is the correct pronunciation.

Are there any regional variations in the pronunciation of "clergy"?

While "clergy" is generally pronounced the same in American and British English, some regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sound in the first syllable. However, the standard pronunciation remains /ˈklɜr.dʒi/ in both dialects.