Learn How to Pronounce petite

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petite

Definition:

(nou) a garment size for short or slender women

Examples:

The ballerina is lithe and petite.

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petite

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: petite

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Common mistakes of petite pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pet-ˈite" instead of the correct "ˈpə-ˌtiːt". Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable.
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some pronounce "petite" as "pə-ˈtiːt", using a long "i" sound. The correct pronunciation is "pə-ˈtiːt" with a short "i" sound. Tip: Focus on the "ti" sounding like "tee".
  3. Overemphasizing the "t": A common mistake is to pronounce the "t" too strongly, resulting in "pe-ˈtīt". The correct pronunciation is softer, "pə-ˈtiːt". Tip: Keep the "t" light and quick.
  4. Ignoring the final "e": Some learners drop the final "e", saying "pə-ˈti". The correct form includes the "e", making it "pə-ˈtiːt". Tip: Always pronounce the final "e" as part of the word.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Learners may confuse "petite" with "petit" or "petite" in English and French. The English pronunciation is "pə-ˈtiːt", while in French, it is "pə-ˈtit". Tip: Be aware of language context to avoid confusion.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "petite" correctly?

The word "petite" is pronounced as /pəˈtiːt/ in both American and British English. The stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "teet."

What is the difference in pronunciation of "petite" in US and UK English?

There is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "petite" between US and UK English; both use /pəˈtiːt/. However, regional accents may affect the subtle nuances of the vowel sounds.

Is there a schwa sound in "petite"?

Yes, in "petite," the first syllable contains a schwa sound /ə/, which is pronounced like the "a" in "sofa." This makes it sound softer and less emphasized compared to the stressed second syllable.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "petite"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as saying /ˈpɛtiːt/ instead of /pəˈtiːt/. Remember that the emphasis should always be on the second syllable for correct pronunciation.
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