Learn How to Pronounce plumb

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plumb

Definition:

(nou) the metal bob of a plumb line

Phonetic Transcription:

plʌm

Examples:

It is difficult to plumb other people's mind.

It is not necessary to plumb to the depths of his soul.

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plumb

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: plumb

Learn Individual Sounds

Break plumb down into individual sounds such as plʌm. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Common mistakes of plumb pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Many pronounce "plumb" with a long "u" sound, like "ploomb" /pluːm/. This is incorrect. Tip: Remember that "plumb" has a short "u" sound, like in "cup" /ʌ/.
  2. Ignoring the silent "b": Some speakers say "plumb" as if the "b" is pronounced, leading to "plum-b" /plʌm b/. This is not standard. Tip: Focus on the fact that the "b" is silent, making it just "plum" /plʌm/.
  3. Overemphasizing the consonant: A common error is stressing the "p" too heavily, resulting in "plumb" sounding like "p-lumb" /pˈlʌm/. This can distort the word. Tip: Keep the initial "p" soft and smooth to maintain natural flow.
  4. Confusing with "plum": Some learners mix "plumb" with "plum," pronouncing both the same way. "Plumb" /plʌm/ has a different meaning. Tip: Practice saying "plumb" distinctly to ensure clarity in context.
  5. Incorrect stress placement: Some people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "plumb" as "plum-b" /plʌm b/. This is not the right pronunciation. Tip: Remember that "plumb" is a single syllable word, so keep the stress on the first and only syllable.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "plumb" in American English?

In American English, "plumb" is pronounced as /plʌm/ with a single syllable. The vowel sound is similar to the "u" in "cup."

What is the UK pronunciation of "plumb"?

In British English, "plumb" is also pronounced as /plʌm/, maintaining the same vowel sound. There is no significant difference between the US and UK pronunciations for this word.

Does "plumb" have a schwa sound in any dialects?

No, "plumb" does not contain a schwa sound in any dialects. The pronunciation remains consistent with the vowel sound /ʌ/, which is a clear, short sound.

What is a common mistake when pronouncing "plumb"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "plumb" as /plʌmb/ by adding an unnecessary "b" sound at the end. It's important to remember that "plumb" ends with the /m/ sound only.
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