Learn How to Pronounce merit

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merit

Definition:

(nou) any admirable quality or attribute (nou) the quality of being deserving (e.g., deserving assistance)

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈmerɪt

Examples:

The merit of the claims is disputed.

This is regardless of the merit of the edit.

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merit

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: merit

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of merit pronunciation

  1. Vowel sound confusion: Some learners may mispronounce "merit" as /ˈmɛrɪt/ instead of the correct /ˈmɛrɪt/ in US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the short "e" sound, as in "met".
  2. Stress misplacement: A common mistake is placing stress on the second syllable, saying "me-RIT". The correct stress is on the first syllable: "MER-it". Tip: Emphasize "MER" more than "it".
  3. Overemphasizing the "t": Some may pronounce "merit" with a strong "t" sound, like /ˈmɛrɪtʰ/. The correct pronunciation has a softer "t", as in /ˈmɛrɪt/. Tip: Keep the "t" light and quick.
  4. Dropping the vowel sound: Learners might say "mer'it", omitting the vowel in the second syllable. The full pronunciation is "MER-it". Tip: Ensure both syllables are clearly pronounced for clarity.
  5. Incorrect vowel length: Some might confuse the vowel sounds and say "marit" with an "a" sound. The correct pronunciation is /ˈmɛrɪt/, with an "e" sound. Tip: Practice saying "met" to get the right vowel sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "merit" in American English?

In American English, "merit" is pronounced as /ˈmɛrɪt/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "mare," followed by a short "it."

What is the British pronunciation of "merit"?

In British English, "merit" is also pronounced as /ˈmɛrɪt/, with the same stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation is quite similar to the American version, making it easy to recognize.

Does "merit" have a schwa sound in its pronunciation?

No, "merit" does not contain a schwa sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a clear "i" sound, making it distinct and easy to articulate.

Are there any common mistakes people make when pronouncing "merit"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress or pronouncing it as /məˈrɪt/, which is incorrect. Remember to stress the first syllable, "mer," to say it correctly.
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