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intellectual

Definition:

(nou) a person who uses the mind creatively

Phonetic Transcription:

ˌɪntəˈlektʃʊəl

Examples:

Is this intellectual supercilious

It is the intellectual appetite.

The assignment is intellectual dishonesty.

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intellectual

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: intellectual

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Common mistakes of intellectual pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "in-ˈtel-lectual". The correct stress is on the third syllable: "ˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.əl". Tip: Remember to emphasize "lect" when pronouncing "intellectual".
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some speakers may pronounce "intellectual" with an incorrect vowel sound, such as using "æ" in "intellect" instead of "ɛ". The correct pronunciation is "ˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.əl". Tip: Practice the "e" sound in "let" for clarity.
  3. Over-articulation of consonants: People often overly emphasize the "t" in "intellectual", leading to a harsh sound. The "t" should be softer, as in "ˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.əl". Tip: Focus on a smoother transition between syllables.
  4. Missing the schwa sound: Some might skip the schwa "ə" in the second syllable, pronouncing it as "in-tel-ˈlectual". The correct version includes the schwa: "ˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.əl". Tip: Practice saying "sofa" to get comfortable with the schwa sound.
  5. Incorrect final syllable: A common mistake is pronouncing the final syllable as "al" instead of "əl". The correct pronunciation is "ˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.əl". Tip: Try saying "actual" to help with the correct ending sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "intellectual" in American English?

In American English, "intellectual" is pronounced as /ˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.əl/. The primary stress is on the third syllable, "lec," while the second syllable has a schwa sound, making it sound like "in-tuh-LEK-chu-uhl."

What is the British pronunciation of "intellectual"?

In British English, "intellectual" is pronounced similarly, as /ˌɪn.təˈlɛk.tʃu.əl/. The stress pattern remains the same, with the emphasis on the third syllable, "lec," and the second syllable also featuring a schwa sound.

How many syllables are in the word "intellectual"?

The word "intellectual" has five syllables: "in-te-lec-tu-al." Each syllable flows together, and the primary stress is on the third syllable, "lec."

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "intellectual"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, often emphasizing the wrong syllable. Remember to stress the third syllable, "lec," to pronounce "intellectual" correctly.
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