Learn How to Pronounce define
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How to pronounce:
define
Phonetic Transcription:
dɪˈfaɪn
Examples:
It is an attempt to define the ineffable.
The contents define a permutation.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: define
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Common mistakes of define pronunciation
- Misplacing the stress: Some learners place stress on the second syllable, saying "de-ˈfine". In both US and UK pronunciations, the correct stress is on the second syllable, "dɪˈfaɪn". Tip: Practice saying "define" with emphasis on the second syllable.
- Vowel confusion: Many confuse the vowel sound in the first syllable, pronouncing it as "dee". The correct sound is a short "i", as in "dɪ". Tip: Listen to native speakers and mimic the vowel sound to improve accuracy.
- Lengthening the final vowel: Some learners pronounce the final "e" as a long vowel, saying "defin-ee". In reality, the "e" is silent, and the word ends with "n". Tip: Remember that "define" ends with a consonant sound, not a vowel.
- Dropping the "d" sound: A common mistake is to omit the initial "d", leading to "efine". This alters the word completely. Tip: Articulate the "d" clearly at the beginning to maintain the word's integrity.
- Incorrectly pronouncing the "f": Some may pronounce "define" with a "v" sound instead of "f", saying "devine". This is incorrect. Tip: Focus on the "f" sound by placing your top teeth against your bottom lip.