Learn How to Pronounce competence

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competence

Definition:

(nou) the quality of being adequately or well qualified physically and intellectually

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈkɒmpɪtəns

Examples:

The other half of the coin is competence the actual ability to edit usefully.

Entering the field and assuring competence.

It's the problem of tendency but not the problem of competence.

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competence

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: competence

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Common mistakes of competence pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "com-PET-ence" /kəmˈpɛt.əns/. Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable, as in "COM-pe-tence" /ˈkɒm.pɪ.təns/ for UK and /ˈkɑːm.pə.təns/ for US.
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Many mispronounce the first vowel, saying "compitence" /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/. Tip: Use the correct vowel sound "o" as in "hot" /hɒt/ for UK and "a" as in "father" /ˈfɑːðər/ for US.
  3. Omitting the schwa: Some speakers skip the schwa sound in the second syllable, pronouncing it as "comptence" /ˈkɒmp.təns/. Tip: Include the schwa /ə/ for clarity, ensuring all syllables are pronounced.
  4. Confusing with similar words: Learners may confuse "competence" with "competency," leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Focus on the syllable structure of "competence" /ˈkɒm.pɪ.təns/ (UK) and /ˈkɑːm.pə.təns/ (US) to distinguish them.
  5. Overemphasizing the final "ce": Some may pronounce the "ce" as a hard "s" sound, saying "competens" /ˈkɒm.pə.tɛns/. Tip: Pronounce the final "ce" softly, as in "dance" /dæns/, to maintain the correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "competence" correctly?

The word "competence" is pronounced as /ˈkɒmpɪtəns/ in UK English and /ˈkɑːmpɪtəns/ in US English. The primary stress is on the first syllable "com", which sounds like "kom", while the second syllable "pe" has a schwa sound, pronounced as "ə".

What are the syllables in "competence"?

"Competence" has three syllables: "com", "pe", and "tence". You can break it down as "com-pe-tence", with the first syllable being the most stressed.

Are there common mistakes in pronouncing "competence"?

A common mistake is placing the stress on the second syllable instead of the first. Remember to emphasize "com" and pronounce the "tence" clearly, avoiding a slurred sound.

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "competence" in different regions?

Yes, there are slight variations in pronunciation between UK and US English. While the stress pattern remains the same, the vowel sounds differ, with "com" sounding like "kom" in UK and "kahm" in US accents.
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