Learn How to Pronounce literally

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literally

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈlɪtərəli

Examples:

The word literally means a landholder.

The name literally means rambling in the sky.

The name of the region literally means Hundred.

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literally

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: literally

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Common mistakes of literally pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "lit-er-'ally" instead of the correct "'lit-er-ally" (ˈlɪt.ər.ə.li). Tip: Focus on emphasizing the first syllable to sound natural.
  2. Omitting sounds: Many people drop the "t" sound, pronouncing it as "li-'er-ally." This can lead to confusion. Tip: Practice saying "literally" slowly, ensuring you pronounce the "t" clearly.
  3. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some might say "literally" with a long "i" sound as in "light," resulting in "'leet-er-ally." This is incorrect. Tip: Remember the short "i" sound as in "lit" (ˈlɪt) to maintain accuracy.
  4. Overusing "literally": Some use "literally" in contexts where it's unnecessary or incorrect, like "I literally died laughing." This misuses the term. Tip: Reserve "literally" for situations that are factual and not exaggerated.
  5. Confusing with "figuratively": Learners often mix up "literally" with "figuratively," using them interchangeably. This alters meaning. Tip: Remember that "literally" means exactly as stated, while "figuratively" allows for metaphorical use.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "literally" in American English?

In American English, "literally" is pronounced as /ˈlɪtərəli/. The stress is on the first syllable, "lit," which is pronounced like "lit" in "lit up."

Is there a difference in the pronunciation of "literally" between British and American English?

Yes, in British English, "literally" is pronounced as /ˈlɪt(ə)rəli/, where the second syllable has a schwa sound that can be pronounced lightly. The primary stress remains on the first syllable, similar to American English.

What is a common mistake people make when pronouncing "literally"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress or pronouncing the "t" too softly, which can make it sound like "litter-ally." Remember to emphasize the first syllable clearly to avoid confusion.

How many syllables are in the word "literally"?

The word "literally" has four syllables: "lit-er-al-ly." Each syllable should be pronounced distinctly for clarity, especially in formal contexts.
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