Learn How to Pronounce decline

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decline

Definition:

(nou) change toward something smaller or lower (nou) a condition inferior to an earlier condition; a gradual falling off from a better state (nou) a gradual decrease; as of stored charge or current (nou) a downward slope or bend

Phonetic Transcription:

dɪˈklaɪn

Examples:

The decline of royalty brought about the decline of the kingdom.

Another reason for the decline was overexposure.

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Common mistakes of decline pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying /dɪˈklaɪn/ instead of /ˈdɪk.laɪn/. Tip: Remember that the first syllable "dec" gets the primary stress.
  2. Overemphasizing the "c": Some speakers pronounce "decline" with a hard "c," sounding like /dɪkˈklaɪn/. Tip: The "c" should be soft, blending smoothly into the "l" sound.
  3. Ignoring the vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing the first syllable as /dɪk/ instead of /dɪ/. Tip: Focus on keeping the vowel sound short and relaxed, as in "deck."
  4. Adding an extra syllable: Some may say "decline" as /dɪˈklaɪnə/, mistakenly adding an extra syllable. Tip: Ensure you pronounce it as a two-syllable word, /ˈdɪk.laɪn/, without any additional sounds.
  5. Mispronouncing the ending: Learners often pronounce the ending as /-in/ instead of /-aɪn/. Tip: Make sure to articulate the "ine" clearly, sounding like "line" to maintain the correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "decline" in American English?

In American English, "decline" is pronounced as /dɪˈklaɪn/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "kline."

What is the British pronunciation of "decline"?

In British English, "decline" is also pronounced /dɪˈklaɪn/. There is no significant difference in pronunciation between the US and UK versions.

Does "decline" have any silent letters?

No, "decline" does not have any silent letters. Each letter in the word is pronounced, making it straightforward for learners.

How many syllables are in "decline"?

"Decline" has two syllables, pronounced as "de-" and "-cline." It is important to stress the second syllable in both American and British English.
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