Learn How to Pronounce devour

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devour

Phonetic Transcription:

dɪˈvaʊə

Examples:

The Apostles swarm and devour them.

The Springfield and the townsfolk initially devour the burgers.

The chicks reveal razor sharp teeth and devour the monsters.

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devour

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: devour

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Common mistakes of devour pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners put the stress on the second syllable, saying "de-ˈvour". This is incorrect; the stress should be on the second syllable: "dɪˈvaʊər". Tip: Remember to emphasize "vour" when pronouncing "devour".
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some people pronounce "devour" with a long "e" sound, as in "dee-vour". This is not accurate. The correct pronunciation uses a short "e": "dɪˈvaʊər". Tip: Focus on the short "e" sound to improve clarity.
  3. Omitting the "r": A common mistake is dropping the "r" at the end, saying "de-vou". This can lead to misunderstandings. The correct form includes the "r": "dɪˈvaʊər". Tip: Make sure to articulate the "r" clearly at the end of "devour".
  4. Confusing syllable count: Some learners treat "devour" as a two-syllable word, pronouncing it as "de-ˈvour". However, it has three syllables: "dɪ-ˈvaʊ-er". Tip: Break it down into three parts to help with pronunciation.
  5. Mispronouncing the "ou": The "ou" in "devour" is often mispronounced as "oo" as in "food". The correct sound is a diphthong: "aʊ", as in "how". Tip: Practice saying "devour" with the correct "ou" sound to enhance your pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "devour"?

In American English, "devour" is pronounced as /dɪˈvaʊər/, with the stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is pronounced as /dɪˈvaʊə/, also stressing the second syllable but without the "r" sound at the end.

What are the syllables in "devour"?

The word "devour" has three syllables: de-vour. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable has the "ou" pronounced like "ow" in "cow."

Is there a schwa sound in "devour"?

Yes, the first syllable "de" in "devour" is pronounced with a schwa sound /dɪ/, which sounds like "duh." This makes it quick and less stressed compared to the second syllable.

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "devour"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying /ˈdɛvər/ instead of /dɪˈvaʊər/. Another mistake is not pronouncing the "r" at the end in non-rhotic accents, which can lead to confusion with words like "flower."
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