Learn How to Pronounce despite

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despite

Definition:

(nou) lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike (nou) contemptuous disregard

Phonetic Transcription:

dɪˈspaɪt

Examples:

However, despite shallowness, water has low transparency.

However, despite the poignancy of the stories, there is often a lot of humour.

Learn more about:
despite

Related Words:

but

however

hate

How to perfect your pronunciation of: despite

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of despite pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "des-ˈpite" instead of the correct "ˈdes-pɪt". Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable to pronounce "despite" correctly.
Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing the "i" as /iː/, leading to "despite" sounding like "des-ˈpīte". The correct pronunciation uses a short "i" sound, as in "pit". Tip: Focus on the /ɪ/ sound for accuracy.
Adding an extra syllable: Some speakers may say "des-pi-tay" with three syllables instead of the correct two. This can confuse listeners. Tip: Keep it simple with "despite" being pronounced in just two syllables: "ˈdes-pɪt".
Overemphasizing the final "t": Learners sometimes overemphasize the "t" sound, making it sound like "despite" ends with a strong "t" instead of a softer one. Tip: Aim for a smooth ending without extra force on the "t".
Mispronouncing the initial "d": Some may pronounce "despite" with a "z" sound, leading to "zespite". This is incorrect. Tip: Ensure the initial sound is a clear "d" as in "dog" to say "despite" correctly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "despite"?

The pronunciation of "despite" in IPA is /dɪˈspaɪt/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "spite."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "despite" between American and British English?

In both American and British English, "despite" is pronounced the same way, /dɪˈspaɪt/. There are no notable regional variations for this word.

What syllable does the stress fall on in "despite"?

The word "despite" has two syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: "spite." This means you emphasize that part when saying the word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "despite"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as saying "DE-spite" instead of "despite." Remember to focus on the correct syllable to avoid confusion.