Learn How to Pronounce disaster

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disaster

Definition:

(nou) a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune (nou) an event resulting in great loss and misfortune (nou) an act that has disastrous consequences

Phonetic Transcription:

dɪˈzɑːstə

Examples:

The first amphibious assault of the war ended in disaster in 1914.

The specter of this disaster looms large over the 'Art of War'.

Having haphazard disaster by disaster efforts is POV and will be factious.

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disaster

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: disaster

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Common mistakes of disaster pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners stress the second syllable, saying "di-ˈzæs-ter". The correct stress is on the second syllable in both US and UK: "dɪ-ˈzæs-tər". Tip: Focus on emphasizing "zæs" to pronounce it correctly.
  2. Overemphasizing vowels: Some may pronounce "disaster" as "dɪ-ˈæstər", using an incorrect vowel sound. The correct pronunciation uses a short "a" sound: "dɪ-ˈzæs-tər". Tip: Practice the "æ" sound as in "cat" to avoid confusion.
  3. Dropping syllables: A common mistake is saying "dizaster" without the clear "a" sound. The proper pronunciation includes all syllables: "dɪ-ˈzæs-tər". Tip: Slow down your speech to ensure each syllable is pronounced.
  4. Confusing "disaster" with "disastrous": Some learners mix up the two words, mispronouncing "disaster" as "dɪ-ˈzæstrəs". Remember, "disaster" has three syllables: "dɪ-ˈzæs-tər". Tip: Break down the word into syllables to help with clarity.
  5. Incorrect final "r" sound: In some accents, the final "r" in "disaster" may be softened or dropped. The correct pronunciation clearly articulates the "r": "dɪ-ˈzæs-tər". Tip: Practice saying "r" sounds in other words to strengthen your pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "disaster"?

In American English, "disaster" is pronounced as /dɪˈzæs.tɚ/ with the primary stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is pronounced as /dɪˈzɑː.z.tə/ with the stress also on the second syllable.

What are the syllables in "disaster"?

The word "disaster" has three syllables: dis-as-ter. The first syllable "dis" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, like in "this," while the second syllable "as" has the short "a" sound, similar to "cat."

Is there a schwa sound in "disaster"?

Yes, in "disaster," the last syllable "ter" is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/, making it sound like "tuh" in casual speech. This softens the pronunciation and makes it flow more smoothly in conversation.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "disaster"?

A common mistake is placing the stress incorrectly on the first syllable, saying "DIS-aster" instead of "dis-ASTER." Remember to stress the second syllable to pronounce it correctly.
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