Learn How to Pronounce preface

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preface

Definition:

(nou) a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈprefɪs

Examples:

Below is the preface to the book.

In particular, read the preface of the book.

This alone preserves the preface of the work.

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preface

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: preface

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Common mistakes of preface pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pre-'fa-ce" instead of the correct "ˈprɛf.əs" (US) or "ˈprɛf.ɪs" (UK). Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable.
  2. Pronouncing the first syllable incorrectly: Some might say "pre" as in "pre-" (before) instead of the correct "prɛf" (as in "fresh"). Tip: Focus on the "f" sound to ensure accurate pronunciation.
  3. Omitting the final syllable: A common mistake is to drop the final syllable, saying "pref" instead of "ˈprɛf.əs" (US) or "ˈprɛf.ɪs" (UK). Tip: Make sure to pronounce all syllables clearly to convey the full word.
  4. Confusing with "preface": Some may confuse "preface" with "preface," leading to incorrect pronunciation. The former is pronounced "ˈprɛf.əs" (US) or "ˈprɛf.ɪs" (UK), while the latter is "ˈprɛf.ɪs." Tip: Pay attention to context to distinguish between these similar-sounding words.
  5. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some speakers may pronounce the "e" in the first syllable as a long vowel, saying "pre" instead of the short "ɛ." Tip: Practice saying "fresh" to get the correct vowel sound for "preface."

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "preface"?

In American English, "preface" is pronounced as /ˈprɛf.əs/ with the stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is also pronounced as /ˈprɛf.əs/, so the pronunciation is the same in both variants.

What is the correct syllable breakdown for "preface"?

The word "preface" has two syllables: "pref" and "ace." The first syllable is stressed, making it pronounced as /ˈprɛf.əs/.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "preface"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /prɛf.ˈæs/ instead of /ˈprɛf.əs/. Remember to emphasize the first syllable to pronounce it correctly.

Does "preface" have a schwa sound?

Yes, the second syllable in "preface" contains a schwa sound, pronounced as /ə/. It is the unstressed part of the word, making it softer and less pronounced than the first syllable.
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