Learn How to Pronounce discretion

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discretion

Definition:

(nou) freedom to act or judge on one's own (nou) knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress (nou) refined taste; tact (nou) the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies (nou) the trait of judging wisely and objectively

Phonetic Transcription:

dɪˈskreʃən

Examples:

The choice of the number of users is at the discretion of the test sponsor.

Is it at the discretion of the administrator

The funds are used at the discretion of the municipality.

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discretion

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: discretion

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Common mistakes of discretion pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "dis-ˈcre-tion". Tip: Remember to place the primary stress on the last syllable, "dis-ˈkre-tion" (US) or "dɪs-ˈkrɛʃ-ən" (UK).
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing "discretion" with an "i" sound as in "bit". Tip: Use the "e" sound as in "bed" for the second syllable, ensuring clarity in pronunciation.
  3. Omitting the "t" sound: Some may drop the "t," pronouncing it as "discre-shun". Tip: Make sure to articulate the "t" clearly, as in "dis-ˈkre-tion," to maintain proper pronunciation.
  4. Overemphasizing the "s": Learners might pronounce "discretion" with a strong "s" sound, making it sound like "dis-ˈscretion". Tip: Keep the "s" soft and subtle, focusing on the "k" sound instead.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Some confuse "discretion" with "discretionary," leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Familiarize yourself with the definitions and pronunciations of both words to avoid mix-ups.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "discretion"?

"Discretion" is pronounced as /dɪˈskrɛʃ.ən/ in American English and /dɪˈskreʃ.ən/ in British English. The primary stress is on the second syllable, "scre," which can help you emphasize the correct part when speaking.

What are the syllables in "discretion"?

"Discretion" has three syllables: dis-cre-tion. You can break it down as /dɪs/ + /ˈkrɛʃ/ + /ən/, making it easier to pronounce each part clearly.

Is there a schwa sound in "discretion"?

Yes, "discretion" contains a schwa sound in the last syllable, "tion." The "tion" is pronounced as /ən/, which is a common feature in many English words ending with "-tion."

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "discretion"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often saying it as "DIS-cretion" instead of the correct "dis-CRE-tion." Remember to focus on the second syllable for accurate pronunciation.
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