Learn How to Pronounce leave

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leave

Definition:

(nou) the period of time during which you are absent from work or duty (nou) permission to do something (nou) the act of departing politely

Phonetic Transcription:

liːv

Examples:

I'm going to leave the flagging in for now.

The ruler asked the Guru to leave the place.

However, he was asked to leave Recondite before the release was finalized.

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leave

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: leave

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Common mistakes of leave pronunciation

  1. Vowel sound confusion: Some learners pronounce "leave" with a short vowel sound like in "live" (/lɪv/). This is incorrect. Tip: Remember that "leave" has a long vowel sound /iː/ as in "see".
  2. Incorrect stress placement: A common mistake is placing stress on the second syllable, saying "leave" as /ləˈviːv/. This is not how it's pronounced. Tip: Stress the first syllable: /liːv/ for both US and UK.
  3. Final consonant omission: Some may drop the final "v" sound, saying "lea" (/liː/). This alters the meaning. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "v" clearly to maintain the correct meaning of "leave".
  4. Mispronouncing with a diphthong: Learners sometimes say "leave" with a diphthong sound, like /leɪv/. This is incorrect. Tip: Focus on the pure vowel sound /iː/ to pronounce "leave" accurately.
  5. Overemphasizing the "l": Some speakers may overly stress the "l" sound, making it sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "l" sound light and smooth, leading into the long "e" sound for "leave".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "leave" in American English?

In American English, "leave" is pronounced as /liːv/. The vowel sound is a long "ee," resembling the sound in "see."

What is the British pronunciation of "leave"?

In British English, "leave" is also pronounced as /liːv/. The pronunciation is the same as in American English, with a long "ee" sound.

What syllable stress does "leave" have?

The word "leave" has one syllable, so the stress is on that single syllable. It is pronounced with a strong emphasis, making it clear and distinct.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "leave"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "leave" as /lɛv/, which uses a short "e" sound like in "levy." It's important to remember the long "ee" sound in "leave."
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