Learn How to Pronounce figuratively

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figuratively

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈfɪɡjərətɪvli

Examples:

She is, figuratively speaking, burning the stake.

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figuratively

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: figuratively

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

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Common mistakes of figuratively pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many speakers incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "fi-ˈgura-tively". The correct stress is on the third syllable: "ˈfɪg.jə.rə.tɪv.li". Tip: Focus on stressing "g" to improve clarity.
  2. Skipping syllables: Some pronounce "figuratively" as "ˈfɪg.rə.tiv.li", omitting the "u". This can lead to misunderstanding. Tip: Practice each syllable slowly: "fi-gur-a-tive-ly".
  3. Incorrect vowel sounds: The "u" in "figuratively" is often mispronounced as "ʌ" instead of "ə", leading to "fig-ˈʌr-a-tively". The correct pronunciation is "ˈfɪg.jə.rə.tɪv.li". Tip: Listen to native speakers to hear the correct vowel sound.
  4. Overemphasizing the final "ly": Some speakers overly stress the last syllable, saying "figurativ-ELY". The correct pronunciation is more balanced: "ˈfɪg.jə.rə.tɪv.li". Tip: Practice saying the word smoothly to avoid overemphasis.
  5. Confusing with similar words: "Figuratively" is often confused with "literally", leading to mispronunciations. "Literally" has a different stress pattern: "ˈlɪt.ər.ə.li". Tip: Memorize the distinct stress patterns to differentiate these words.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "figuratively" in American English?

In American English, "figuratively" is pronounced as /ˈfɪɡ.jə.rə.t̬ɪv.li/. The primary stress is on the first syllable "fig," while the second syllable has a schwa sound, making it sound like "juh."

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

Yes, in British English, "figuratively" is pronounced as /ˈfɪɡ.jʊə.rə.tɪv.li/. The primary stress remains on the first syllable, but the vowel sound in the second syllable is different, sounding more like "yoo."

How many syllables are in the word "figuratively"?

The word "figuratively" has five syllables: "fig-u-ra-tive-ly." Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the stress on the first syllable.

What common mistakes do people make when pronouncing "figuratively"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often placing it on the second syllable instead of the first. Additionally, some may pronounce the "t" in "figuratively" too softly, leading to confusion with similar words.
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