Learn How to Pronounce potential

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potential

Definition:

(nou) the inherent capacity for coming into being (nou) the difference in electrical charge between two points in a circuit expressed in volts

Phonetic Transcription:

pəˈtenʃəl

Examples:

It is able to unleash the dormant fighting potential of the wearer.

He would not realized the illimitable possibility of his potential.

Toyota focused on mainstream potential of hybrids like Prius and Auris.

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Common mistakes of potential pronunciation

  1. Stress on the wrong syllable: Many learners stress the second syllable, saying "po-ˈten-tial". Tip: Remember to stress the third syllable: "pə-ˈtɛn-ʃəl" for US and "pə-ˈtɛn-ʃəl" for UK.
  2. Mispronouncing the "t" sound: Some people pronounce "potential" with a soft "t", sounding like "po-ˈnen-chal". Tip: Make sure to pronounce the "t" clearly as /t/ in both US and UK pronunciations.
  3. Omitting the schwa sound: Learners sometimes skip the schwa in the first syllable, saying "poten-tial". Tip: Include the schwa /ə/ in the first syllable: "pə-ˈtɛn-ʃəl".
  4. Confusing with similar words: Some mix up "potential" with "potent", leading to incorrect pronunciation. Tip: Remember that "potential" has three syllables and ends with "tial", while "potent" has two syllables.
  5. Incorrect vowel sounds: A common mistake is pronouncing the "e" in "potential" as a long vowel, saying "po-ˈte-nchial". Tip: Use the short "e" sound /ɛ/ for the second syllable: "pə-ˈtɛn-ʃəl".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "potential" in American English?

In American English, "potential" is pronounced as /pəˈtɛnʃəl/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable has a schwa sound, which is a quick and relaxed "uh" sound.

What is the British pronunciation of "potential"?

In British English, "potential" is also pronounced as /pəˈtɛnʃəl/, similar to the American pronunciation. The stress remains on the second syllable, and the schwa sound is present in the first syllable as well.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "potential"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as stressing the first syllable instead of the second. Remember, the correct stress is on the second syllable: /pəˈtɛnʃəl/.

How many syllables are in the word "potential"?

The word "potential" has three syllables: po-ten-tial. Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the second syllable being the most emphasized.
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