Learn How to Pronounce obtain

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obtain

Phonetic Transcription:

əbˈteɪn

Examples:

Krudsky then gets an idea to obtain the scepter and rule the world with it.

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obtain

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: obtain

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Common mistakes of obtain pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners stress the second syllable, saying "ob-ˈtain". In English, the primary stress is on the second syllable: "ob-ˈtain". Tip: Practice emphasizing the "tain" part to improve clarity.
  2. Overemphasizing the "o": Some pronounce "obtain" with a strong "o" sound, like "ˈo-btain". This is incorrect; the correct pronunciation starts with a softer "ə" sound: "əb-ˈtain". Tip: Focus on a quick, light "ə" at the beginning.
  3. Dropping the "b": A common mistake is saying "o-ˈtain", omitting the "b" sound entirely. In "obtain", the "b" is essential and should be pronounced clearly: "əb-ˈtain". Tip: Practice saying the word slowly to ensure the "b" is heard.
  4. Confusing vowel sounds: Some learners may pronounce "obtain" with an incorrect vowel sound in the second syllable, saying "ob-ˈteen". The correct vowel sound is a diphthong: "tain" as in "pain". Tip: Compare with similar words to master the vowel sound.
  5. Incorrectly pronouncing the final "n": Some may end with a nasal sound, saying "ob-ˈtayn". The "n" in "obtain" should be pronounced clearly. Tip: Ensure your tongue touches the roof of your mouth to produce the "n" sound accurately.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "obtain" in American English?

In American English, "obtain" is pronounced as /əbˈteɪn/. The stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "tayn."

What is the British pronunciation of "obtain"?

In British English, "obtain" is pronounced the same way as in American English: /əbˈteɪn/. The stress remains on the second syllable.

Does "obtain" have any silent letters?

No, "obtain" does not have any silent letters. Each letter in the word is pronounced, particularly the "b," which is important to note.

How many syllables are in "obtain"?

The word "obtain" has two syllables: "ob" and "tain." It is pronounced with the primary stress on the second syllable.
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