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primitive

Definition:

(nou) a person who belongs to an early stage of civilization (nou) a mathematical expression from which another expression is derived (nou) a word serving as the basis for inflected or derived forms

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈprɪmɪtɪv

Examples:

The popular view of Celtic society is that it was primitive and uncivilized.

The primitive source is indispensable.

The conditions were raw and primitive.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: primitive

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Common mistakes of primitive pronunciation

  1. Incorrect vowel sound: Many learners mispronounce the first vowel in "primitive" as /ɪ/ instead of the correct /ɪ/. Tip: Practice starting with the sound in "sit" to get it right.
  2. Stress placement error: Some people place the stress incorrectly on the second syllable, pronouncing it as "pri-MI-tive" /prɪˈmɪtɪv/. Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable: "PRImitive" /ˈprɪmɪtɪv/.
  3. Missing schwa sound: The final syllable is often pronounced without the schwa sound, leading to "primitive" sounding like /prɪˈmɪtɪv/. Tip: Focus on the /ɪ/ sound in the last syllable to ensure clarity.
  4. Overemphasizing consonants: Some learners overemphasize the "t" sound in "primitive," making it sound harsh. Tip: Keep the "t" soft and quick to maintain the natural flow of the word.
  5. Confusing similar words: Learners sometimes confuse "primitive" with "primitivism" or "primitively," leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Practice each word separately to distinguish their sounds clearly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "primitive" in American English?

In American English, "primitive" is pronounced as /ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv/. The stress is on the first syllable, "prim", which sounds like "prim" in "primp".

Is there a difference in the pronunciation of "primitive" between British and American English?

Yes, in British English, "primitive" is also pronounced as /ˈprɪm.ɪ.tɪv/, with the same stress pattern. The pronunciation remains consistent across both dialects, making it easy to remember.

What is the syllable breakdown for the word "primitive"?

The word "primitive" has three syllables: "prim", "i", and "tive". You can break it down like this: "prim" (ˈprɪm), "i" (ɪ), and "tive" (tɪv).

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "primitive"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as stressing the second syllable instead of the first. Remember to emphasize "prim" to pronounce "primitive" correctly.
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