Learn How to Pronounce difficult
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How to pronounce:
difficult
Phonetic Transcription:
ˈdɪfɪkəlt
Examples:
Avoiding the temptation is difficult.
It is difficult to calcify the substances.
It is difficult to conceptualize the comparison.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: difficult
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Common mistakes of difficult pronunciation
- Stress placement: Many learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, pronouncing it as "dif-ˈfi-cult". The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt". Tip: Remember to emphasize the "dɪf" sound.
- Vowel sounds: Some people mispronounce the first vowel, saying "difficult" with a long "i" sound, like "dī-fə-kəlt". The correct pronunciation uses a short "i": "ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt". Tip: Focus on keeping the "i" short and crisp.
- Silent letters: A common mistake is to overemphasize the "c" in "difficult", leading to "dif-ˈfi-kelt". The "c" is not pronounced as a separate sound. Tip: Keep the "c" soft and blend it into the following "u".
- Syllable count: Some learners miscount the syllables and say "difficult" as a three-syllable word, like "dif-fi-cult". The correct pronunciation has four syllables: "ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt". Tip: Break it down into "dɪf" + "ɪ" + "kəlt" to clarify the syllables.
- Ending sound: A frequent error is to pronounce the final "t" too softly, saying "dif-ˈfi-kəl". The "t" at the end should be clear: "ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt". Tip: Make sure to articulate the "t" distinctly to finish the word.