Learn How to Pronounce contraction
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How to pronounce:
contraction
Definition:
(nou) a shortening or tensing of a part or organ (especially of a muscle or muscle fiber) (nou) the process or result of becoming smaller or pressed together (nou) a word formed from two or more words by omitting or combining some sounds (nou) the act of decreasing (something) in size or volume or quantity or scope
Phonetic Transcription:
kənˈtrækʃən
Examples:
Shortening involves the contraction of the longitudinal muscle.
The higher the recruitment the stronger the muscle contraction will be.
This causes the abrupt contraction of the muscle fibers.
Learn more about:contraction
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Common mistakes of contraction pronunciation
- Stress misplacement: Many learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, pronouncing it as /kənˈtrækʃən/ instead of the correct /kənˈtrækʃən/ in both US and UK. Tip: Focus on the first syllable for stress.
- Vowel confusion: Some might pronounce "contraction" with a short "o" sound, as in /ˈkɒntrækʃən/, which is more common in UK English. In US English, it's /kənˈtrækʃən/. Tip: Listen for the "uh" sound in the first syllable.
- Overemphasis on "t": Learners often exaggerate the "t" sound in "contraction," leading to /kənˈtrækʧən/ instead of the smoother /kənˈtrækʃən/. Tip: Practice saying "sh" instead of "ch" in the second syllable.
- Dropping the "n": Some speakers may accidentally drop the "n" sound and say /kəˈtrækʃən/. This alters the word's clarity. Tip: Make sure to clearly pronounce the "n" in the first syllable.
- Syllable reduction: A common mistake is reducing "contraction" to two syllables, saying /kənˈtrækʃn/. This can confuse listeners. Tip: Remember to pronounce all three syllables clearly: /kənˈtrækʃən/.