Learn How to Pronounce modern

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

modern

Definition:

(nou) a contemporary person (nou) a typeface (based on an 18th century design by Gianbattista Bodoni) distinguished by regular shape and hairline serifs and heavy downstrokes

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈmɒdən

Examples:

It is the current description of gravitation in modern physics.

The modern propensity for the written word is not new.

Modern society lives at the expense of the modern proletarian.

Learn more about:

modern

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: modern

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say modern in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say modern in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with modern.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of modern pronunciation

  1. Stress misplacement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "mo-DERN" instead of the correct "MOD-ern" (/ˈmɒd.ən/ in UK, /ˈmɑː.dɚn/ in US). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable.
  2. Vowel confusion: Some pronounce "modern" with an "o" sound like in "mop," leading to "mop-dern." The correct vowel is a schwa sound in the second syllable (/ə/). Tip: Practice saying "MOD-ern" to focus on the correct vowel sound.
  3. Overemphasis on the "r": In an attempt to articulate, learners may overly stress the "r" sound, pronouncing it as "MOD-ern" with a heavy "r" sound. Tip: Keep the "r" light and subtle, almost blending it with the vowel.
  4. Missing the schwa: Some speakers may omit the schwa in the second syllable, leading to "MOD-din" instead of "MOD-ern." Tip: Make sure to include the schwa sound to pronounce it correctly as "MOD-ern."
  5. Unclear ending: A common mistake is to pronounce the ending too harshly, resulting in "MOD-urn." The correct pronunciation is softer, with a quick "n" sound. Tip: Focus on a smooth transition to the "n" sound to enhance clarity.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "modern" in American English?

In American English, "modern" is pronounced as /ˈmɒd.ərn/. The stress is on the first syllable, and the "o" sounds like the "o" in "hot."

What is the British pronunciation of "modern"?

In British English, "modern" is pronounced as /ˈmɒd.ən/. The first syllable is still stressed, but the "er" sound is often a schwa, sounding like "uh."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "modern"?

Many learners mistakenly pronounce "modern" with an extra syllable, saying /ˈmɒd.ər.ən/. Remember, it should be two syllables, not three.

Does "modern" have any regional variations in pronunciation?

Yes, in some regions, "modern" may be pronounced with a more pronounced "r" sound, especially in American English, where it can sound like /ˈmɑː.dɚn/. However, the standard pronunciation remains consistent across most dialects.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime