Learn How to Pronounce high

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high

Definition:

(nou) a lofty level or position or degree (nou) an air mass of higher than normal pressure (nou) a state of sustained elation (nou) a state of altered consciousness induced by alcohol or narcotics (nou) a high place (nou) a public secondary school usually including grades 9 through 12 (nou) a forward gear with a gear ratio that gives the greatest vehicle velocity for a given engine speed

Phonetic Transcription:

haɪ

Examples:

The tower is high to the top of the cap.

It is surrounded by the high mountains which encircle the head of the valley.

Water flooded the church as high as the top of the wainscoting on the walls.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: high

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Common mistakes of high pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "high" with a short vowel sound, like in "hit". This leads to confusion. Tip: Remember that "high" has the long vowel sound /haɪ/ in both US and UK English.
  2. Ignoring the "h" sound: A common mistake is dropping the initial "h" sound, leading to a pronunciation that starts with the vowel. This can change the meaning. Tip: Always pronounce the "h" as /h/, ensuring clarity in your speech.
  3. Incorrect stress placement: Some may incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "high" as if it were two syllables. This is incorrect. Tip: "High" is a one-syllable word, so stress the whole word: /haɪ/.
  4. Confusing "high" with "hi": Learners sometimes mix up "high" and "hi", pronouncing them similarly. While they sound alike, their meanings differ. Tip: Focus on the context; "high" describes elevation, while "hi" is a greeting.
  5. Overemphasizing the vowel: Adding extra emphasis to the vowel can make "high" sound exaggerated or unnatural. This can confuse listeners. Tip: Aim for a smooth and natural pronunciation of /haɪ/, keeping it concise.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "high" in American English?

In American English, "high" is pronounced as /haɪ/ with a single syllable and the primary stress on the vowel sound. The "h" is pronounced clearly, followed by the diphthong "ai" that sounds like the "i" in "my."

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

No, "high" is pronounced the same way in both American and British English, as /haɪ/. The stress and vowel sound remain consistent across these dialects.

What is the correct stress pattern for the word "high"?

The word "high" has one syllable and carries primary stress on that syllable, which is represented as /haɪ/. There are no secondary stresses or schwa sounds in this word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "high"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "high" as /hiː/ or adding an extra syllable, which can happen if learners confuse it with similar-sounding words. It's important to focus on the correct diphthong sound /haɪ/ to avoid this error.
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