Learn How to Pronounce portmanteau
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How to pronounce:
portmanteau
Definition:
(nou) a new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings (nou) a large travelling bag made of stiff leather
Phonetic Transcription:
pɔːtˈmæntəʊ
Examples:
How much is this portmanteau
Someone took his portmanteau.
Bring your portmanteau right now.
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Common mistakes of portmanteau pronunciation
- Misplacing stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "port-MAN-toe" instead of the correct "PORT-man-toe" (ˈpɔrt.mæn.toʊ in US, ˈpɔːt.mæn.təʊ in UK). Tip: Focus on the first syllable for proper emphasis.
- Incorrect vowel sounds: Some learners pronounce "portmanteau" with an incorrect vowel sound, saying "port-mant-oh" instead of "port-man-toe." The correct vowels are /æ/ and /əʊ/ in UK, /æ/ and /oʊ/ in US. Tip: Practice the vowel sounds in isolation before combining them.
- Overemphasizing the "t": It's common to overemphasize the "t" in "portmanteau," resulting in a pronunciation like "port-man-TOE." The "t" should be softer and less prominent. Tip: Keep the "t" subtle to maintain a smooth flow.
- Skipping syllables: Some people unintentionally skip the second syllable, saying "PORT-toe" instead of "PORT-man-toe." This changes the word entirely. Tip: Break it down into syllables: "PORT," "man," "toe" to ensure clarity.
- Mispronouncing as a single word: A common mistake is treating "portmanteau" as a single word without clear syllable separation, leading to confusion. The correct pronunciation is three distinct syllables: "PORT-man-toe." Tip: Say each syllable clearly to avoid blending them together.