Learn How to Pronounce motif
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How to pronounce:
motif
Definition:
(nou) a design or figure that consists of recurring shapes or colors, as in architecture or decoration (nou) a theme that is repeated or elaborated in a piece of music (nou) a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary or artistic work
Phonetic Transcription:
məʊˈtiːf
Examples:
The motif of the bridge is ironic.
The front of the building was a steamboat motif.
The pommel is decorated with a floral motif.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: motif
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Common mistakes of motif pronunciation
- Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "mo-ˈtif". The correct pronunciation is "ˈmoʊ.tif" (US) or "məʊˈtiːf" (UK), with primary stress on the first syllable. Tip: Focus on saying "mo" louder and longer.
- Vowel sound confusion: Some may pronounce "motif" with a short "o" as in "cot", resulting in "ˈmɒ.tif". The correct sound is a long "o" as in "go" for US and a diphthong in UK. Tip: Practice the "o" sound by saying "mo" before "tif".
- Incorrect final consonant: Learners often drop the "f" sound, saying "mo-tee" instead of "motif". The final "f" is crucial for clarity. Tip: Emphasize the "f" by practicing words that end in "f" like "leaf".
- Overemphasizing the "t": Some may pronounce "motif" with an exaggerated "t" sound, making it sound harsh. The "t" should be clear but not overly stressed. Tip: Keep your tongue relaxed when pronouncing the "t" to maintain a smooth flow.
- Syllable division: A common mistake is to divide "motif" into three syllables, saying "mo-tif". The correct pronunciation is two syllables, "mo-tif". Tip: Remember to blend the sounds together smoothly for a natural pronunciation.