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preference

Definition:

(nou) a strong liking (nou) a predisposition in favor of something (nou) the right or chance to choose (nou) grant of favor or advantage to one over another (especially to a country or countries in matters of international trade, such as levying duties)

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈprefrəns

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Common mistakes of preference pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pref-ˈer-ence". The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈprɛf.ər.əns". Tip: Remember to emphasize "pref" when pronouncing "preference".
  2. Omitting the schwa: Some speakers drop the schwa in the second syllable, saying "ˈprɛf.rəns". This can make the word sound choppy. Tip: Include the soft "er" sound, pronounced as "ər", to maintain fluidity in "preference".
  3. Confusing vowel sounds: The first vowel sound can be mispronounced as "eɪ" instead of "ɛ". Saying "ˈprɛf.ər.əns" with "eɪ" can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Focus on the short "e" sound in "pref" to pronounce "preference" correctly.
  4. Overemphasizing the final syllable: Some learners stress the last syllable too much, saying "prɛf.ər-ˈəns". The final syllable should be lightly stressed. Tip: Keep the last syllable soft and quick to ensure smooth pronunciation of "preference".
  5. Mispronouncing the "r": In some accents, the "r" in "preference" may be pronounced too harshly or not at all. This can confuse listeners. Tip: Aim for a soft "r" sound, as in "ər", to clearly articulate "preference".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "preference" correctly?

The word "preference" is pronounced as /ˈprɛf.ər.əns/ in both American and British English. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "pref."

What are the syllables in "preference"?

"Preference" has three syllables: "pref-er-ence." The first syllable is stressed, making it sound stronger than the other two.

Is there a difference in pronunciation between American and British English for "preference"?

There is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "preference" between American and British English. Both use the same IPA notation, /ˈprɛf.ər.əns/.

What common mistakes do people make when pronouncing "preference"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "pref-er-ENCE" instead of "PREF-er-ence." Remember to stress the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
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