Learn How to Pronounce optimism

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optimism

Definition:

(nou) the optimistic feeling that all is going to turn out well (nou) a general disposition to expect the best in all things

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈɒptɪmɪzəm

Examples:

People who believe in optimism think positively.

The bloom of optimism was of short duration.

The words suggest optimism and buoyancy.

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optimism

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: optimism

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Common mistakes of optimism pronunciation

  1. Stress on the wrong syllable: Some people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "op-ˈti-mism" instead of the correct "ˈop-ti-mism". Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable for proper pronunciation.
  2. Mispronouncing the vowel sounds: A common mistake is mispronouncing the "o" as in "hot" instead of the correct sound as in "hop" /ɑː/. Tip: Focus on producing the "o" sound clearly as /ɑː/ in "optimism".
  3. Overemphasizing the "t": Some learners may pronounce the "t" too strongly, sounding like "op-ti-ˈmiz-əm". The correct pronunciation is more subtle, with a softer "t". Tip: Keep the "t" light and quick to maintain the flow.
  4. Omitting the final syllable: A frequent error is dropping the last syllable, saying "optimis" instead of "optimism". This alters the meaning and clarity. Tip: Always include the ending "ism" to ensure you are understood.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Learners may confuse "optimism" with "optimistic", pronouncing them similarly. The pronunciation differs slightly, especially in stress. Tip: Practice distinguishing between "ˈop-ti-mism" and "op-ti-ˈmis-tik" to avoid confusion.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "optimism" in English?

In English, "optimism" is pronounced as /ˈɒp.tɪ.mɪ.zəm/ in British English and /ˈɑːp.tɪ.mɪ.zəm/ in American English. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "op".

What are the syllables in "optimism"?

The word "optimism" has four syllables: "op", "ti", "m", and "ism". It can be broken down phonetically as /ˈɒp.tɪ.mɪ.zəm/ or /ˈɑːp.tɪ.mɪ.zəm/.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "optimism"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "op-ti-mism" instead of "optimism" with the stress on the first syllable. Remember to emphasize "op" to pronounce it correctly.

Is there a schwa sound in "optimism"?

Yes, there is a schwa sound in the last syllable of "optimism". The "-ism" is pronounced as /ɪ.zəm/, where the "e" is a schwa, sounding like "uh".
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