Learn How to Pronounce merely
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How to pronounce:
merely
Phonetic Transcription:
ˈmɪəli
Examples:
Cordiality can only go so far when it is a merely a gloss.
Brahmins are merely the scapegoats.
He was merely overhasty.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: merely
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Common mistakes of merely pronunciation
- Misplacing the stress: Some learners place stress incorrectly, saying "merely" as /ˈmɪrli/ instead of /ˈmɪrli/ (US) or /ˈmɪəli/ (UK). Tip: Always stress the first syllable "mer".
- Dropping the vowel sound: A common mistake is to pronounce "merely" without the second syllable, saying "merly". This alters the meaning. Tip: Ensure to pronounce both syllables clearly: "mer" and "ly".
- Confusing with similar words: Learners often confuse "merely" with "merrily", leading to mispronunciation. "Merrily" has a different vowel sound. Tip: Focus on the "e" in "merely" to maintain clarity.
- Incorrect vowel sound: Some may pronounce the "e" in "merely" too harshly, sounding like "mare". This is incorrect. Tip: Use a short "e" sound, as in "met", to keep the pronunciation accurate.
- Overemphasizing the "ly": Some speakers stress the "ly" too much, making it sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "ly" soft and quick, so it flows smoothly from the first syllable.