Learn How to Pronounce mere

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mere

Definition:

(nou) a small pond of standing water

Phonetic Transcription:

mɪə

Examples:

The choices are not just mere faddish expressions but are deep decisions about culture.

But that's a mere archaism that got stuck.

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mere

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: mere

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

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Common mistakes of mere pronunciation

  1. Misplacing vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "mere" as /mɪr/ (like "mirror"). This changes the meaning. Tip: Focus on the long "e" sound /mɪər/ in UK and /mɪr/ in US.
  2. Incorrect stress placement: People might stress the second syllable, saying "me-RE" instead of "MERE". This can confuse listeners. Tip: Remember that "mere" has only one syllable, so stress the first and only syllable.
  3. Overemphasizing the "r": Some learners might pronounce "mere" with a strong "r" sound, making it sound like "meer." This can alter clarity. Tip: Keep the "r" soft and subtle, focusing on the vowel sound.
  4. Adding an extra syllable: Some may say "me-er" instead of "mere," unintentionally creating a two-syllable word. Tip: Practice saying "mere" quickly to reinforce its single-syllable pronunciation.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Learners might mix up "mere" with "mirror" or "mere" with "mere" (as in "only"). This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Pay attention to context and the distinct vowel sounds in "mere" (/mɪər/ or /mɪr/).

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "mere"?

The word "mere" is pronounced as /mɪr/ in American English and /mɪə/ in British English. The primary stress is on the single syllable, making it sound like "mir."

What is the meaning of "mere"?

"Mere" refers to something that is small or insignificant. It can also mean just or only, emphasizing the simplicity or lack of complexity in a situation.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "mere"?

One common mistake is pronouncing "mere" with an extra syllable, making it sound like "mee-er." Remember, it should be a single syllable, pronounced as /mɪr/ or /mɪə/, depending on the accent.

Is "mere" a homophone for any other words?

Yes, "mere" is a homophone for "mirror" in casual speech, especially in some dialects. However, it is important to distinguish between the two, as they have different meanings and uses.
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