Learn How to Pronounce ideal

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ideal

Definition:

(nou) the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain (nou) model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal

Phonetic Transcription:

aɪˈdɪəl

Examples:

Perfection is the ideal, while ambivalence is its application.

The title also references the word utopia, the state of ideal perfection.

It is the ideal haven for joggers.

Learn more about:
ideal

Related Words:

best

good

perfect

How to perfect your pronunciation of: ideal

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Pick an Accent

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 ideal pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "i-ˈdeal". This is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is "ˈaɪˌdɪəl" in US English and "aɪˈdɪəl" in UK English. Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable.
Vowel confusion: People often pronounce "ideal" with an incorrect vowel sound, saying "ˈaɪdɛl". The correct vowel in the second syllable is a schwa sound, represented as "ɪ". Tip: Focus on the "dɪ" sound in the second syllable.
Adding extra syllables: Some may pronounce "ideal" as having three syllables, like "aɪ-ˈdɪ-əl". This is incorrect; it should be pronounced with only two syllables. Tip: Practice saying it smoothly as "ˈaɪˌdɪəl".
Mispronouncing the "d": A common mistake is to soften the "d" sound, saying "aɪˈeəl". The "d" should be clear and distinct. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "d" sharply to maintain clarity.
Omitting the second syllable: Learners sometimes say "ˈaɪl" instead of "ideal". This drops the crucial second syllable. Tip: Always pronounce both syllables to convey the full meaning of "ideal".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "ideal" in American English?

In American English, "ideal" is pronounced as /aɪˈdiːəl/. The primary stress is on the second syllable, making it sound like "eye-DEE-uhl."

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

Yes, in British English, "ideal" is pronounced as /aɪˈdɪəl/, with the vowel in the second syllable sounding like "ih" rather than "ee." This slight variation can affect how the word is understood in different regions.

What syllable does the stress fall on in "ideal"?

The stress in "ideal" falls on the second syllable, pronounced as "DEE." This means you should emphasize that part when saying the word.

Are there any common mistakes people make when pronouncing "ideal"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying it as "IDE-al" instead of "i-DEAL." This can lead to confusion, so it's important to practice the correct stress pattern.