Learn How to Pronounce obsequious

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obsequious

Phonetic Transcription:

əbˈsiːkwɪəs

Examples:

That seems a little pompous and obsequious.

They are generally obedient, pliant, and obsequious.

They could be better and less obsequious.

Learn more about:
obsequious

Related Words:

fawning

servile

How to perfect your pronunciation of: obsequious

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

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Common mistakes of obsequious pronunciation

Misplacing primary stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ob-ˈsequious". The correct stress is on the third syllable: "ob-ˈse-kwē-əs". Tip: Remember to emphasize the "se" in "obsequious".
Overemphasizing vowels: Some people pronounce "obsequious" with overly drawn-out vowels, like "ob-se-ˈkwi-əs". This can make the word sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the vowels short and crisp, especially in the unstressed syllables.
Confusing the "qu" sound: A common mistake is pronouncing "qu" as "kw" instead of the correct "k" sound. For instance, saying "ob-se-ˈkwē-əs" instead of "ob-ˈse-kwē-əs". Tip: Focus on the "se" sound before the "qu" to ensure clarity.
Ignoring the final syllable: Some learners may drop the final "əs", resulting in "obsequio". This alters the word entirely. Tip: Always include the final syllable to maintain the correct pronunciation and meaning.
Mispronouncing "ob" as "awb": This may lead to saying "awb-se-ˈkwē-əs" instead of "ob-ˈse-kwē-əs". This error can confuse listeners. Tip: Practice saying "ob" with a clear "o" sound to avoid this mistake.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "obsequious"?

In American English, "obsequious" is pronounced as /əbˈsiː.kwi.əs/ with the primary stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is pronounced the same way, ensuring clarity in both accents.

What are the syllables in "obsequious"?

The word "obsequious" has four syllables: ob-se-qui-ous. When saying it, remember to emphasize the second syllable, "se," for correct pronunciation.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "obsequious"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often saying "OB-se-qui-ous" instead of the correct "ob-SEC-qui-ous." It's important to practice the correct stress to sound natural.

Is there a schwa sound in "obsequious"?

Yes, there is a schwa sound in "obsequious," specifically in the first syllable, pronounced as /ə/. This unstressed vowel sound helps the word flow smoothly when spoken.