Learn How to Pronounce life

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life

Definition:

(nou) a characteristic state or mode of living (nou) the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities (nou) the course of existence of an individual; the actions and events that occur in living (nou) the condition of living or the state of being alive (nou) the period during which something is functional (as between birth and death) (nou) the period between birth and the present time (nou) the period from the present until death (nou) a living person (nou) animation and energy in action or expression (nou) living things collectively (nou) the organic phenomenon that distinguishes living organisms from nonliving ones (nou) an account of the series of events making up a person's life (nou) a motive for living (nou) a prison term lasting as long as the prisoner lives

Phonetic Transcription:

laɪf

Examples:

The cost of human life is priceless.

The life span of humans is finite.

The animal comes to life and serenades the girl.

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life

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: life

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Common mistakes of life pronunciation

  1. Vowel sound confusion: Some learners mispronounce "life" as /lɪf/, using the short "i" sound instead of the correct long "i" /laɪf/. Tip: Practice saying "eye" to get the right vowel sound.
  2. Silent "e" misunderstanding: A common mistake is to overemphasize the "e" at the end of "life", leading to /laɪfɪ/. This is incorrect as the "e" is silent. Tip: Focus on the "i" and drop the "e" sound.
  3. Incorrect stress placement: Some may incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "li-FE" instead of the correct "LIFE". The word is monosyllabic. Tip: Remember that "life" has only one syllable, so stress the initial sound.
  4. Consonant blend errors: Mispronouncing "life" as /laɪv/ by confusing the "f" with a "v" sound is a frequent mistake. Tip: Keep your lips together for the "f" sound, ensuring it's clear and crisp.
  5. Regional accent variations: In some accents, "life" may be pronounced with a different vowel sound, like /lɛɪf/. While this is acceptable in certain dialects, it differs from standard US/UK pronunciation. Tip: Listen to native speakers to capture the correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "life" in American English?

In American English, "life" is pronounced as /laɪf/, with a single syllable. The vowel sound is a diphthong, starting with an "ah" sound and gliding to "ee".

What is the British pronunciation of "life"?

In British English, "life" is also pronounced as /laɪf/, similar to the American pronunciation. Both versions share the same vowel sound and syllable structure.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "life"?

One common mistake is mispronouncing "life" as /lɪf/, using a short "i" sound instead of the correct diphthong /aɪ/. It's important to ensure the correct vowel sound to avoid confusion with similar words.

Does "life" have a schwa sound in casual speech?

In casual speech, "life" does not contain a schwa sound; it maintains the clear diphthong /aɪ/. This clarity is essential in distinguishing it from other words, especially in quick conversations.
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