Learn How to Pronounce mercurial

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mercurial

Phonetic Transcription:

mɜːˈkjʊərɪəl

Examples:

He is mercurial and temperamental.

Ricard is reclusive and famously mercurial.

You are quite the mercurial proselytizer.

Learn more about:
mercurial

Related Words:

volatile

How to perfect your pronunciation of: mercurial

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

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Common mistakes of mercurial pronunciation

Stress placement: Many learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "mer-CU-rial" instead of "MER-cu-rial" (ˈmɜr.kjʊr.i.əl). Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable.
Vowel confusion: Some pronounce "mercurial" with a long "u" sound, saying "mer-KYOOR-i-al" instead of "MER-cu-rial." This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Focus on a short "u" sound, as in "cup" for the second syllable.
Syllable omission: A common mistake is omitting the second syllable, saying "MER-cial" instead of "MER-cu-rial." This alters the word's meaning. Tip: Practice saying each syllable clearly: "MER" + "cu" + "rial."
Incorrect vowel sounds: Some speakers mispronounce the "c" in "mercurial" as a hard "k," saying "mer-KUR-i-al." This is incorrect. Tip: The "c" should sound like "ch" in "chill," making it "cu."
Final syllable stress: Learners might incorrectly stress the last syllable, pronouncing it as "mercuri-AL." This is not standard. Tip: Ensure the final syllable is unstressed; it should sound softer and less emphasized.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "mercurial"?

The pronunciation of "mercurial" is /mɚˈkjʊr.i.əl/ in American English and /mɜːˈkjʊə.ri.əl/ in British English. The primary stress is on the second syllable, "ku," and the "c" is pronounced like a "k."

What are the syllables in "mercurial"?

"Mercurial" has four syllables: "mer," "cu," "ri," and "al." The breakdown helps with pronunciation, emphasizing the second syllable, "cu."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "mercurial"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often saying "mer-CU-rial" instead of "mer-KYUR-ial." It's important to focus on the correct syllable stress to sound natural.

Is there a casual or spoken variant of "mercurial"?

In casual speech, some may shorten "mercurial" or slur the syllables, but it's best to pronounce it fully for clarity. Maintaining the full pronunciation helps convey the meaning accurately.