Learn How to Pronounce north

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north

Definition:

(nou) the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line (nou) the United States (especially the northern states during the American Civil War) (nou) the cardinal compass point that is at 0 or 360 degrees (nou) a location in the northern part of a country, region, or city (nou) the direction corresponding to the northward cardinal compass point (nou) the direction in which a compass needle points (nou) British statesman under George III whose policies led to rebellion in the American colonies (1732-1792)

Phonetic Transcription:

nɔːθ

Examples:

Hummock Island is almost long in a north west to south east direction.

They emigrated to the north, south, east, and west.

The list runs anticlockwise from north east to south east Wales.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: north

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Common mistakes of north pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the "n" sound: Some may pronounce "north" as /nɔrθ/ in US English, missing the "n" sound. Tip: Ensure you start with a clear "n" sound, as in /nɔrθ/ for US or /nɔːθ/ for UK.
  2. Overemphasizing the "o": People often stress the vowel in "north," leading to incorrect pronunciation like /nɔːθ/. Tip: The vowel should be pronounced smoothly without overemphasis, focusing on the "n" and "th" sounds.
  3. Ignoring the "th" sound: Some might say "north" as /nɔr/ by dropping the "th." Tip: Always include the "th" at the end, pronounced as /θ/, to correctly articulate "north."
  4. Confusing with "forth": Learners may confuse "north" with "forth," pronouncing it as /fɔrθ/. Tip: Remember that "north" begins with the "n" sound, which is distinct from "f," ensuring clarity in pronunciation.
  5. Mispronouncing the vowel length: Some may pronounce "north" too quickly, making it sound like /nɔt/. Tip: Stretch the vowel a bit longer to maintain the correct sound, as in /nɔrθ/ for US and /nɔːθ/ for UK, emphasizing the full pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "north" in American English?

In American English, "north" is pronounced as /nɔrθ/ with the stress on the only syllable. The "or" sounds like "or" in "more," and the "th" is a voiceless sound, similar to the "th" in "think."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "north" between British and American English?

In British English, "north" is pronounced as /nɔːθ/, where the "o" is longer, like in "thought." The main difference lies in the vowel length, with American English using a shorter vowel sound.

What syllable stress is used in the word "north"?

"North" has only one syllable, so the stress is on that syllable, pronounced as /nɔrθ/. There are no other syllables to consider, making its pronunciation straightforward.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "north"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing the "th" sound, sometimes saying "norf" instead of "north." Remember to articulate the "th" clearly, as it is crucial for correct pronunciation.
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