Learn How to Pronounce motivate

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motivate

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈməʊtɪveɪt

Examples:

The point of the change is to motivate reasoned discussion.

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motivate

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: motivate

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Common mistakes of motivate pronunciation

  1. Incorrect vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "motivate" with an incorrect vowel sound, like /ˈmoʊtɪveɪt/ instead of /ˈmoʊtɪˌveɪt/ (US) or /ˈməʊtɪveɪt/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the correct placement of the stress on the second syllable.
  2. Misplaced stress: A common mistake is stressing the wrong syllable, saying "MOT-ivate" instead of "mo-TI-vate." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on "TI," so practice emphasizing that syllable.
  3. Overemphasizing the last syllable: Some may pronounce "motivate" with too much emphasis on the final syllable, making it sound like "motiva-TE." Tip: Keep the final syllable lighter and shorter to maintain the correct rhythm.
  4. Dropping the middle vowel: Learners sometimes omit the "i" sound, saying "motvate." This makes the word unclear. Tip: Ensure you pronounce all three syllables clearly: "mo-TI-vate."
  5. Confusing with similar words: Some confuse "motivate" with "motive," leading to pronunciation errors. They might say "MOT-ive" instead of "mo-TI-vate." Tip: Remember that "motivate" has three syllables, while "motive" has two.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "motivate" in American English?

In American English, "motivate" is pronounced as /ˈmoʊ.tɪˌveɪt/. The first syllable has primary stress, and it sounds like "moh" followed by a quick "ti" and ends with "vate."

What is the UK pronunciation of "motivate"?

In British English, "motivate" is pronounced as /ˈməʊ.tɪˌveɪt/. The first syllable is stressed, and it starts with a sound similar to "moh" but with a more rounded vowel.

What syllable in "motivate" is stressed?

The primary stress in "motivate" is on the first syllable: "mo." This means you should say it slightly louder and longer than the other syllables.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "motivate"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as stressing the second syllable instead. Remember, the correct pronunciation emphasizes the first syllable, "mo," to sound natural.
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