Learn How to Pronounce key
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How to pronounce:
key
Definition:
(nou) metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated (nou) something crucial for explaining (nou) pitch of the voice (nou) any of 24 major or minor diatonic scales that provide the tonal framework for a piece of music (nou) a kilogram of a narcotic drug (nou) a winged often one-seed indehiscent fruit as of the ash or elm or maple (nou) United States lawyer and poet who wrote a poem after witnessing the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812; the poem was later set to music and entitled `The Star-Spangled Banner' (1779-1843) (nou) a coral reef off the southern coast of Florida (nou) a space (including the foul line) in front of the basket at each end of a basketball court; usually painted a different color from the rest of the court (nou) a list of answers to a test (nou) a list of words or phrases that explain symbols or abbreviations (nou) a generic term for any device whose possession entitles the holder to a means of access (nou) mechanical device used to wind another device that is driven by a spring (as a clock) (nou) the central building block at the top of an arch or vault (nou) a lever (as in a keyboard) that actuates a mechanism when depressed
Phonetic Transcription:
kiː
Examples:
It is the major work of a key figure in the history of psychotherapy.
Perhaps the most important, and the key, to the series was the narration.
The key to this is stratigraphy.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: key
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Common mistakes of key pronunciation
- Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "key" with an incorrect vowel sound, like /kiː/ instead of /ki/. Tip: Focus on producing a long "e" sound, ensuring it is clear and distinct.
- Ignoring the initial consonant: A common mistake is omitting the "k" sound, leading to pronunciations like "ee." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Practice saying "key" with emphasis on the initial "k" sound, /k/.
- Overemphasizing the vowel: Some speakers stress the vowel too much, making it sound like "kay." This alters the meaning. Tip: Keep the stress balanced; the correct pronunciation is /kiː/, with a smooth transition from "k" to "e."
- Mixing up similar sounds: Learners may confuse "key" with similar-sounding words like "ki" or "kiy," leading to misunderstandings. Tip: Pay attention to context and practice distinguishing "key" /kiː/ from other similar words.
- Regional variations: In some dialects, "key" may be pronounced differently, affecting clarity. For example, some might say /kiː/ with a more pronounced glide. Tip: Listen to native speakers from various regions to understand these nuances and improve your pronunciation.