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How to pronounce:
literal
Definition:
(nou) a mistake in printed matter resulting from mechanical failures of some kind
Phonetic Transcription:
ˈlɪtərəl
Examples:
They're novels in the literal sense of the word.
My concern is with the literal wording of the sentence in the lede.
I want to address the literal meaning of the word berserk.
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Common mistakes of literal pronunciation
- Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "li-ˈter-al". This is incorrect. The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈlɪt.ər.əl". Tip: Practice saying "literal" with emphasis on "lit".
- Vowel confusion: People often mispronounce the first vowel, saying "ˈlɪt.ər.əl" instead of "ˈlɪt.ər.əl". This can lead to misunderstanding. Tip: Focus on the short "i" sound as in "sit" for clarity.
- Overemphasizing "t": Some may pronounce "literal" with a strong "t" sound, sounding like "ˈlɪt.tər.əl". This is not standard. Tip: Keep the "t" soft and quick, blending it smoothly into the following syllable.
- Omitting the second syllable: Beginners sometimes say "ˈlit-ral", dropping the second syllable entirely. This alters the word's meaning. Tip: Remember to articulate all syllables clearly: "ˈlɪt.ər.əl".
- Incorrect vowel in the second syllable: Some may say "ˈlɪt.ɹəl" instead of "ˈlɪt.ər.əl". This can confuse listeners. Tip: Ensure the second syllable has a schwa sound, like the "a" in "sofa".