Learn How to Pronounce pivotal

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pivotal

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈpɪvətəl

Examples:

It is pivotal in the history of micronations.

The scene is pivotal of the plot.

The scene is pivotal to the plot.

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pivotal

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: pivotal

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Common mistakes of pivotal pronunciation

  1. Incorrect vowel sound: Many learners pronounce "pivotal" with a short "i" sound as in "pit" /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/. The correct pronunciation uses a clear "i" as in "give" /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/. Tip: Focus on the "i" sound being more open.
  2. Misplaced stress: Some people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pi-VOT-al" /pɪˈvoʊ.təl/. The correct stress is on the first syllable: "PIV-otal" /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/. Tip: Emphasize the first syllable more strongly when speaking.
  3. Overpronouncing "t": A common mistake is to overemphasize the "t" in "pivotal," making it sound like "piv-o-TAL" /ˈpɪv.ə.tæl/. The "t" should be softer and less pronounced. Tip: Keep the "t" light and blend it into the syllable.
  4. Missing schwa sound: Some learners omit the schwa sound in the second syllable, saying "pivotal" as "pivotal" /ˈpɪv.təl/. The correct pronunciation includes the schwa: "piv-ə-tal" /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/. Tip: Practice saying the second syllable quickly to catch the schwa.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Learners sometimes confuse "pivotal" with "pivot" /ˈpɪv.ət/ and mispronounce it. "Pivotal" has an additional syllable and a different stress pattern. Tip: Remember that "pivotal" has three syllables, while "pivot" has only two.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "pivotal"?

The pronunciation of "pivotal" is /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/ in both American and British English. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "piv."

What is the syllable breakdown for "pivotal"?

The word "pivotal" has three syllables: "piv," "o," and "tal." It is pronounced as /ˈpɪv.ə.təl/, with the first syllable receiving the most emphasis.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "pivotal"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "piv-OTAL" instead of "PIV-otal." Remember to stress the first syllable to pronounce it correctly.

Is there a schwa sound in "pivotal"?

Yes, the second syllable in "pivotal" contains a schwa sound, represented by "ə." This makes it sound softer and less emphasized than the first syllable.
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