Learn How to Pronounce describe

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describe

Phonetic Transcription:

dɪˈskraɪb

Examples:

Chauvinism has been used to describe the reports.

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describe

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: describe

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Common mistakes of describe pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "de-SCRIBE" instead of the correct "de-SCRIBE" (ˈdɪs.kraɪb). Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the second syllable.
  2. Omitting the initial sound: Some may start with "s" instead of the "d" sound, saying "s-cribe." This changes the word entirely. Tip: Focus on the initial "d" sound by practicing with words like "dog" or "dare."
  3. Confusing vowel sounds: Learners might pronounce the first vowel incorrectly, saying "dee-scribe" instead of "di." The correct vowel sound is closer to "ɪ." Tip: Practice saying "this" and "is" to master the short "i" sound.
  4. Ending with a hard "b": Some speakers may pronounce the final sound too harshly, saying "de-scrib" instead of "de-scribe." Tip: Ensure a smooth transition to the "b" sound by practicing with "cube" or "robe."
  5. Overemphasizing the "r": A common mistake is over-pronouncing the "r" sound, leading to "de-scribe" sounding unnatural. Tip: Keep the "r" soft and quick, similar to how you say "car."

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "describe" in American English?

In American English, "describe" is pronounced as /dɪˈskaɪb/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "skibe."

What is the British pronunciation of "describe"?

In British English, "describe" is pronounced as /dɪˈskraɪb/. Similar to the American version, it also has the primary stress on the second syllable.

How many syllables are in the word "describe"?

The word "describe" has two syllables: "de-" and "-scribe." The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, as in "sit."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "describe"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "DES-cribe" instead of "de-SCRIBE." Remember, the correct stress is on the second syllable.
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