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idea

Definition:

(nou) the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about (nou) your intention; what you intend to do (nou) a personal view (nou) an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth (nou) melodic subject of a musical composition

Phonetic Transcription:

aɪˈdɪə

Examples:

The ability to move at the speed of thought is the idea.

The men thought the deviltry was not a good idea.

Most of the team thought the idea to be reasonably promising.

Learn more about:
idea

Related Words:

thought

create

think

How to perfect your pronunciation of: idea

Learn Individual Sounds

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Common mistakes of idea pronunciation

Vowel sound confusion: Many learners pronounce "idea" as /aɪˈdɪə/ instead of /aɪˈdɪə/ (US) or /aɪˈdɪə/ (UK). This can lead to misunderstanding. Tip: Focus on the "i" sound in "idea" to maintain clarity.
Stress placement errors: Some people incorrectly stress the first syllable, saying "IDEA" instead of the correct second-syllable stress /aɪˈdɪə/. Tip: Practice saying "idea" with emphasis on the second part to get it right.
Dropping the vowel: A common mistake is omitting the vowel sound in the second syllable, resulting in "id" instead of "idea." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Ensure you pronounce both syllables clearly, especially the "ea" ending.
Mispronouncing the "d": Some learners pronounce "idea" with a hard "d" sound, saying /ˈaɪdɪə/. This is incorrect. Tip: Use a softer "d" sound to achieve the correct pronunciation.
Incorrect syllable division: Saying "id-ea" with a clear break can lead to confusion. The correct pronunciation is /aɪˈdɪə/ as a single flow. Tip: Practice saying "idea" smoothly to avoid unnatural pauses.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "idea" in American English?

In American English, "idea" is pronounced as /aɪˈdɪə/ with the primary stress on the second syllable. The "i" is pronounced like the "i" in "bit," and the "ea" is pronounced as a schwa sound, similar to "uh."

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

Yes, in British English, "idea" is pronounced as /aɪˈdɪə/ as well, but the vowel sounds may be slightly more pronounced. The primary stress remains on the second syllable, similar to American English.

What is the syllable breakdown for the word "idea"?

The word "idea" has three syllables: "i-de-a." The first syllable is pronounced as "eye," the second as "dee," and the last syllable is a schwa sound.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "idea"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "IDEA" instead of "i-DEA." It's important to emphasize the second syllable to pronounce it correctly.