Learn How to Pronounce dear

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dear

Definition:

(nou) a beloved person; used as terms of endearment (nou) a sweet innocent mild-mannered person (especially a child)

Phonetic Transcription:

dɪə

Examples:

A good diplomatist loves his dear country.

I bawled like a baby for Chosen because a dear and cherished friend was gone.

Well, my dear friend, to make an omelet one must break eggs.

Learn more about:
dear

Related Words:

friend

valuable

How to perfect your pronunciation of: dear

Learn Individual Sounds

Break dear down into individual sounds such as dɪə. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

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Common mistakes of dear pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Many learners pronounce "dear" with a short vowel sound, like in "hit". The correct pronunciation is /dɪr/ in US English and /dɪə/ in UK English. Tip: Focus on elongating the vowel sound.
Confusing "dear" with "deer": Some people pronounce "dear" as /dɪr/ and confuse it with "deer" /dɪr/ in US English. Although they sound the same, "dear" is used for affection. Tip: Pay attention to the context to differentiate meanings.
Incorrect stress placement: Learners sometimes stress the wrong syllable, saying "DEAR" instead of the correct pronunciation with a primary stress on the first syllable. Tip: Emphasize the first syllable to ensure clarity.
Overemphasizing the "r" sound: Some speakers pronounce "dear" with an exaggerated "r" sound, making it sound awkward. The correct pronunciation should have a softer "r" sound at the end. Tip: Relax your mouth when saying the ending to sound more natural.
Skipping the vowel sound: A common mistake is omitting the vowel sound in "dear," making it sound like "dr." The correct pronunciation includes the vowel sound /dɪr/ in US English and /dɪə/ in UK English. Tip: Make sure to pronounce the vowel clearly for better understanding.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "dear" correctly?

The word "dear" is pronounced as /dɪr/ in American English and /dɪə/ in British English. The primary stress is on the single syllable, making it sound clear and distinct.

What is the difference between "dear" and "deer"?

Both "dear" and "deer" are homophones, pronounced /dɪr/ in American English and /dɪə/ in British English. They sound the same, but "dear" refers to affection, while "deer" is a type of animal.

Is there a schwa sound in "dear"?

No, there is no schwa sound in "dear." The vowel sound is a clear short "i" as in /dɪr/, which is important for accurate pronunciation.

What are some common mistakes when pronouncing "dear"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "dear" as /dɪər/, adding an extra vowel sound, especially among non-native speakers. It's essential to keep the pronunciation crisp and avoid unnecessary vowel sounds.