Learn How to Pronounce preliminary

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preliminary

Definition:

(nou) a minor match preceding the main event (nou) something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follows

Phonetic Transcription:

prɪˈlɪmɪnəri

Examples:

The results of the by elections are preliminary.

The preliminary phase was long and grueling.

This marks the end of the preliminary procedure.

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preliminary

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: preliminary

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Common mistakes of preliminary pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pre-ˈlim-in-ary". The correct pronunciation is "prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nɛr.i" in US and "prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nəri" in UK. Tip: Focus on the third syllable for the primary stress.
  2. Vowel sounds: Some people pronounce "preliminary" with an overly flat "i" sound, leading to "prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nɛr.i". The "i" should sound more like "ɪ" as in "bit". Tip: Listen to native speakers to catch the subtle differences.
  3. Syllable omission: It's common to drop the second "i", resulting in "prɪˈlɛm.nɛr.i". This alters the word's flow and clarity. The full pronunciation includes all syllables: "prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nɛr.i". Tip: Practice saying the word slowly to ensure you include every syllable.
  4. Final "y" sound: Some learners neglect the final "y", saying "prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nɛr". This can make the word sound incomplete. The correct ending is pronounced as "i", completing the word properly. Tip: Emphasize the last syllable to reinforce the complete sound.
  5. Consonant clarity: A frequent mistake is blending the "m" and "i" sounds, leading to a slurred pronunciation, like "prɪˈlɪm.nɛr.i". Each sound should be distinct. Tip: Break the word into parts and pronounce each clearly to avoid blending.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "preliminary"?

The word "preliminary" is pronounced as /prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nɛr.i/ in American English and /prɪˈlɪm.ɪ.nə.ri/ in British English. The primary stress is on the second syllable, "lɪm".

What are the syllables in "preliminary"?

"Preliminary" has five syllables: "pre", "lim", "i", "nar", and "y". Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the second syllable being the most emphasized.

Is there a schwa sound in "preliminary"?

Yes, the "i" in "preliminary" often sounds like a schwa /ə/ in the British pronunciation, making it sound like "pre-lim-i-nə-ri". The schwa is a quick, relaxed sound that can occur in unstressed syllables.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "preliminary"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often stressing the first syllable instead of the second. Another error is pronouncing the "i" in the last syllable too strongly, which can lead to confusion in understanding.
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