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comprehensive

Definition:

(nou) an intensive examination testing a student's proficiency in some special field of knowledge

Phonetic Transcription:

ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv

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comprehensive

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: comprehensive

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Common mistakes of comprehensive pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the first syllable as in "COM-prehensive" /ˈkɒmprɪhɛnsɪv/ (UK) or /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/ (US). Tip: Remember to stress the third syllable instead, "com-pre-" /kəmˈprɛ/ for clarity.
  2. Overpronouncing vowels: Some may overly emphasize the "e" in "comprehensive" /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/ (UK) or /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhɛn/ (US), making it sound unnatural. Tip: Keep vowel sounds short and subtle, especially in unstressed syllables.
  3. Skipping syllables: Learners sometimes drop the "com" sound, saying "prehensive" /ˈprɛhɛnsɪv/. This can lead to confusion. Tip: Always pronounce the full word "comprehensive" to maintain clarity and avoid misunderstandings.
  4. Confusing similar words: Some may confuse "comprehensive" with "comprehensible" /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsəbl/ (UK) or /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhɛn/ (US). This can change the meaning. Tip: Pay attention to the suffix and ensure you are using the correct word.
  5. Incorrect vowel length: A common mistake is pronouncing the "e" in "comprehensive" too long, as in "com-pre-'hensive." This alters the word's rhythm. Tip: Keep the vowel sounds short and crisp for accurate pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "comprehensive" correctly?

The pronunciation of "comprehensive" is /ˌkɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv/ in UK English and /ˌkɑːmprɪˈhɛn.sɪv/ in US English. The primary stress is on the third syllable, "hen."

What are the syllables in "comprehensive"?

The word "comprehensive" has four syllables: "com," "pre," "hen," and "sive." Each syllable should be pronounced clearly to ensure proper articulation.

Is there a schwa sound in "comprehensive"?

Yes, the first syllable "com" can be pronounced with a schwa sound, sounding like "kuhm." This helps in making the pronunciation smoother, especially in casual speech.

What common mistakes do people make when pronouncing "comprehensive"?

Many people mistakenly place the stress on the wrong syllable or pronounce it too quickly. It's important to emphasize the "hen" syllable and maintain a steady pace for clarity.
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