Learn How to Pronounce free

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free

Definition:

(nou) people who are free

Phonetic Transcription:

friː

Examples:

There are two implications to the concept of the free independent traveler.

Her financial acumen became the basis for an independent and free life.

The free ends of the legs are bent inwardly and extend toward each other.

Learn more about:
free

Related Words:

move

each

independent

How to perfect your pronunciation of: free

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

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Common mistakes of free pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners confuse "free" with "fry" due to the vowel sound. "Free" has the IPA /friː/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the long "ee" sound, making it clear and distinct.
Incorrect stress placement: Stressing the wrong syllable can lead to misunderstandings. "Free" is a single-syllable word with primary stress on the first and only syllable, indicated by ˈfriː. Tip: Practice saying "free" with emphasis on the entire word.
Adding an extra vowel sound: Some may pronounce "free" as "furee," adding an unnecessary vowel. The correct pronunciation is /friː/ without any additional sounds. Tip: Keep your mouth relaxed and avoid inserting extra vowels.
Confusing "free" with "three": The words "free" and "three" can sound similar. "Three" has the IPA /θriː/, while "free" is /friː/. Tip: Pay attention to the initial sounds; "three" starts with "th" while "free" starts with "f."
Overemphasizing the "r" sound: Some non-native speakers may pronounce "free" with an exaggerated "r" sound, leading to confusion with "fry." The correct pronunciation is /friː/ with a soft "r." Tip: Keep the "r" subtle and let the "ee" sound dominate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the correct pronunciation of "free"?

The word "free" is pronounced /friː/ in both American and British English. It has one syllable and the vowel sound is a long "ee" as in "see".

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

No, there is no difference in the pronunciation of "free" between American English and British English. Both use the same IPA notation /friː/, making it easy for learners to remember.

Does "free" have any silent letters?

No, the word "free" does not have any silent letters. Each letter in "free" is pronounced, contributing to the overall sound of the word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "free"?

One common mistake is to pronounce "free" with a schwa sound, making it sound like /frə/. Instead, remember to use the long "ee" sound /friː/, which is crucial for clear communication.