Learn How to Pronounce literacy

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literacy

Definition:

(nou) the ability to read and write

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈlɪtərəsi

Examples:

Advertising is one of the drawbacks of literacy.

It is the largest literacy program in the country.

He works in the fields of literacy and pedagogy.

Learn more about:
literacy

Related Words:

letter

read

How to perfect your pronunciation of: literacy

Learn Individual Sounds

Break literacy down into individual sounds such as ˈlɪtərəsi. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

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Common mistakes of literacy pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "lit-ˈer-a-cy". However, the correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈlɪt.ə.rə.si". Tip: Focus on the first syllable to pronounce "literacy" correctly.
Pronouncing "t" too softly: In "literacy", the "t" should be pronounced clearly as /t/. Some might say "ˈlɪd.ə.rə.si". Tip: Ensure the "t" is crisp and distinct to avoid confusion.
Skipping the vowel sound: Some speakers may omit the schwa sound in the second syllable, saying "lit-racy" instead of "lit-ə-ra-cy". Tip: Remember to include the schwa sound /ə/ for clarity in "literacy".
Incorrect vowel sound: The first vowel in "literacy" is often mispronounced. Some might say "ˈlɪt.ər.a.si". The correct pronunciation is "ˈlɪt.ə.rə.si". Tip: Use the short "i" sound /ɪ/ in the first syllable.
Overemphasizing the last syllable: Some learners may stress the last syllable, saying "lit-er-a-ˈcy". The correct pronunciation places the stress on the first syllable. Tip: Keep the last syllable light and unstressed in "literacy".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "literacy" in American English?

In American English, "literacy" is pronounced as /ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "lit," which sounds like "lit," and the "er" is a schwa sound, pronounced like "er" in "butter."

What is the British pronunciation of "literacy"?

In British English, "literacy" is pronounced similarly, /ˈlɪt.ər.ə.si/, with the same primary stress on the first syllable. However, the pronunciation may vary slightly in the vowel sounds, but the overall structure remains the same.

How many syllables are in the word "literacy"?

The word "literacy" has four syllables: "lit-er-a-cy." Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the first syllable receiving the most emphasis.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "literacy"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "lit-er-a-cy" with the stress on the second syllable instead of the first. It's important to keep the stress on "lit" to pronounce "literacy" correctly.