Learn How to Pronounce missionary

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missionary

Definition:

(nou) someone who attempts to convert others to a particular doctrine or program (nou) someone sent on a mission--especially a religious or charitable mission to a foreign country

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈmɪʃənri

Examples:

He encouraged the missionary activity of the Church.

He was a saintly and missionary bishop of the church.

The Mormon missionary is the central character in the film.

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missionary

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: missionary

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Common mistakes of missionary pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many people incorrectly place stress on the second syllable, saying "mi-ˈsion-ary". The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈmɪʃ.ən.ˌɛr.i". Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable for clarity.
  2. Omitting the vowel sound: Some may drop the schwa sound in the second syllable, pronouncing it as "ˈmɪʃ.nɛr.i". This can make it sound jarring. Tip: Ensure to articulate the "ə" sound clearly in "ˈmɪʃ.ən".
  3. Confusing the "sh" and "s" sounds: A common mistake is pronouncing "missionary" with an "s" sound, like "ˈmɪs.ən.ɛr.i". This alters the meaning. Tip: Practice the "ʃ" sound in "mission" to avoid confusion.
  4. Mispronouncing the ending: Some may say "missionary" with a hard "r" sound, sounding like "ˈmɪʃ.ən.ɛr". The correct pronunciation includes a softer "ɪ" sound. Tip: Focus on the smooth transition to the "i" in the ending.
  5. Ignoring regional differences: In the UK, "missionary" is pronounced "ˈmɪʃ.ən.əri", while in the US it is "ˈmɪʃ.ən.ˌɛr.i". This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Be aware of these differences when communicating with speakers from different regions.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "missionary" in American English?

In American English, "missionary" is pronounced as /ˈmɪʃ.ə.ˌnɛr.i/. The primary stress is on the first syllable "mis," and the second syllable has a schwa sound, pronounced like "uh."

What is the British pronunciation of "missionary"?

In British English, "missionary" is pronounced the same way as in American English: /ˈmɪʃ.ən.əri/. The first syllable has the primary stress, while the second syllable features a schwa sound.

How many syllables are in the word "missionary"?

The word "missionary" has four syllables: "mis-sion-ar-y." Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the primary stress on the first syllable.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "missionary"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often placing it on the second syllable instead of the first. Remember to emphasize "mis" to pronounce "missionary" correctly.
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