Learn How to Pronounce milquetoast
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How to pronounce:
milquetoast
Definition:
(nou) a timid man or boy considered childish or unassertive
Examples:
It's not that he was milquetoast.
The milquetoast finally grew a spine.
A milquetoast is a weak, ineffectual or bland person.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: milquetoast
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Common mistakes of milquetoast pronunciation
- Misplacing stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "mil-QUETOAST" instead of the correct "MILK-toast". Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable, as indicated by the IPA: /ˈmɪl.kəˌtoʊst/ (US) and /ˈmɪlk.əʊst/ (UK).
- Incorrect vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "milquetoast" with an "ee" sound, saying "milq-TOAST". This is incorrect. Tip: Focus on the short "i" sound in the first syllable, as in /ˈmɪl/ (US/UK).
- Overemphasizing the "qu": A common mistake is to overly pronounce the "qu" as in "kw", resulting in "MILK-kw-toast". Tip: Keep the "qu" soft, blending it into the preceding vowel, as in /ˈmɪl.kə/ (US/UK).
- Skipping the second syllable: Some speakers might say "MILK-toast" instead of "milquetoast". This omits a key component. Tip: Ensure both syllables are pronounced clearly, as shown in the IPA /ˈmɪl.kəˌtoʊst/ (US) and /ˈmɪlk.əʊst/ (UK).
- Mispronouncing the ending: A frequent error is to say "milquetoast" with a hard "t" at the end, like "milquetoast". Tip: Use a softer "t" sound, ensuring it flows into the final syllable, as in /ˈmɪl.kəˌtoʊst/ (US) and /ˈmɪlk.əʊst/ (UK).