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lion

Definition:

(nou) large gregarious predatory feline of Africa and India having a tawny coat with a shaggy mane in the male (nou) a celebrity who is lionized (much sought after) (nou) a person who is born while the sun is in Leo (nou) the fifth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about July 23 to August 22

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈlaɪən

Examples:

The animal completing the metaphor in dandelion is a lion.

The animal completing, the metaphor in dandelion is a lion.

The lion, king of the animals, stands for power and agility.

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lion

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: lion

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Common mistakes of lion pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some may pronounce "lion" as "lee-on" /ˈlaɪ.ən/ instead of /ˈlaɪ.ən/. This alters the sound and can confuse listeners. Tip: Focus on the diphthong "ai" to maintain the correct pronunciation.
  2. Ignoring the syllable division: "Lion" should be pronounced with two syllables /ˈlaɪ.ən/, not one. Skipping the second syllable can lead to misunderstanding. Tip: Break it down into "li-on" to emphasize both syllables.
  3. Overemphasizing the "o": Some learners might stress the "o" in "lion," resulting in a pronunciation like "lye-on" /ˈlaɪ.ɒn/ (UK). This can sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "o" subtle and light to stay true to the word's rhythm.
  4. Confusing the stress pattern: Incorrectly stressing the second syllable, as in "li-ON," can change the word's flow. The primary stress is on the first syllable /ˈlaɪ.ən/. Tip: Practice saying "lion" to reinforce the stress on the first syllable.
  5. Mispronouncing the final "n": Some may pronounce "lion" with a softer "n," sounding like "lye-uh." This alters the meaning. Tip: Ensure the "n" is clear and pronounced to maintain accuracy in speech.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "lion" in American English?

In American English, "lion" is pronounced as /ˈlaɪ.ən/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "lie," followed by a schwa sound in the second syllable.

What is the British pronunciation of "lion"?

In British English, "lion" is also pronounced as /ˈlaɪ.ən/, similar to American English. The stress remains on the first syllable, and the pronunciation is consistent across both dialects.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "lion"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "LI-on" instead of "LIE-on." Remember to emphasize the first syllable to pronounce "lion" correctly.

How many syllables are in the word "lion"?

The word "lion" has two syllables: "li" and "on." It is pronounced as /ˈlaɪ.ən/, making it a two-syllable word.
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