Learn How to Pronounce olive
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How to pronounce:
olive
Definition:
(nou) small ovoid fruit of the European olive tree; important food and source of oil (nou) evergreen tree cultivated in the Mediterranean region since antiquity and now elsewhere; has edible shiny black fruits (nou) hard yellow often variegated wood of an olive tree; used in cabinetwork (nou) one-seeded fruit of the European olive tree usually pickled and used as a relish (nou) a yellow-green color of low brightness and saturation
Phonetic Transcription:
ˈɒlɪv
Examples:
The characteristic tree crop is the olive.
The arable land in the village comprised gardens and olive trees.
The older an olive tree is, the broader and more gnarled its trunk appears.
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Common mistakes of olive pronunciation
- Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "o-LIVE" instead of "OL-ive" (ˈɑːlɪv/ˈɒlɪv). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
- Overemphasizing the "o": Many people pronounce "olive" with a long "o" sound, like "oh-live." This is incorrect; the correct sound is a short "o" (ˈɑːlɪv/ˈɒlɪv). Tip: Focus on a quick and soft "o" sound.
- Incorrect vowel sound: Some might say "oliv" with a short "i" sound, as in "bit." The correct pronunciation has a schwa sound in the second syllable (ˈɑːlɪv/ˈɒlɪv). Tip: Use a soft "i" sound, like in "give."
- Adding an extra syllable: Learners sometimes pronounce "olive" as "o-liv-e," making it three syllables. The correct pronunciation has only two syllables (ˈɑːlɪv/ˈɒlɪv). Tip: Keep it simple with just "OL-ive."
- Mispronouncing the "v": Some may confuse the "v" sound with a "b," saying "olib." This changes the word entirely. The correct sound is a voiced "v" (ˈɑːlɪv/ˈɒlɪv). Tip: Practice the "v" by placing your upper teeth on your lower lip.