Learn How to Pronounce lightning
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How to pronounce:
lightning
Definition:
(nou) abrupt electric discharge from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth accompanied by the emission of light (nou) the flash of light that accompanies an electric discharge in the atmosphere (or something resembling such a flash); can scintillate for a second or more
Phonetic Transcription:
ˈlaɪtənɪŋ
Examples:
The lightning strikes the stadium.
The Lights are superstitious and shudder at lightning.
She saw the lightning and heard the thunder.
Learn more about:lightning
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: lightning
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Common mistakes of lightning pronunciation
- Dropping the "t": Some people pronounce "lightning" as "ligh-ning," omitting the "t" sound. This can lead to confusion. Tip: Remember to clearly articulate the "t" sound, as in /ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/ (US) and /ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/ (UK).
- Misplacing the stress: Incorrectly stressing the second syllable, saying "light-NING" instead of "LIGHT-ning," can make your pronunciation sound unnatural. Tip: Emphasize the first syllable, using /ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/ to guide your stress placement.
- Mispronouncing the vowel sound: Some may say "lightning" with a short vowel, sounding like "lit-ning." This is incorrect. Tip: Use the diphthong /aɪ/ in the first syllable to ensure clarity, as in /ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/.
- Confusing with similar words: Mixing up "lightning" with "lighten" can happen, especially in rapid speech. They have different meanings and pronunciations. Tip: Focus on the "t" in "lightning" /ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/ and the absence of it in "lighten" /ˈlaɪt.ən/.
- Overemphasizing the "n": Some learners might overly stress the "n" in "lightning," making it sound like "light-ning." This can distort the word. Tip: Keep the "n" sound smooth and subtle, maintaining the flow in /ˈlaɪt.nɪŋ/.