Learn How to Pronounce least
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How to pronounce:
least
Definition:
(nou) something that is of no importance
Phonetic Transcription:
liːst
Examples:
Is your religion a little too unsavory, at least for the public
Some reviewers had at least a modicum of praise for a few of the effects.
Will the child suffer from constipation, at least for the first few days
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Common mistakes of least pronunciation
- Misplacing the vowel sound: Some may pronounce "least" as /lɛst/ instead of /liːst/. This changes the meaning entirely. Tip: Focus on the long "ee" sound, as in "see," to pronounce "least" correctly.
- Ignoring the final "t": A common mistake is dropping the "t" sound, leading to "lea" /liː/ instead of "least" /liːst/. Tip: Make sure to articulate the "t" clearly to avoid confusion.
- Confusing with "least" and "list": People sometimes mix up "least" with "list," pronouncing both as /lɪst/. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Remember that "least" has the long "ee" sound, while "list" has a short "i" sound.
- Overemphasizing the "l": Some learners stress the "l" too much, making it sound like "l-east" /lˈiːst/. This can distort the flow of the word. Tip: Keep the "l" light and focus on the vowel sounds for a smoother pronunciation.
- Regional variations: In some dialects, "least" may be pronounced differently, such as /lɛːst/. This can cause confusion in understanding. Tip: Stick to the standard /liːst/ for clarity, especially in formal settings.