Learn How to Pronounce rainbow

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rainbow

Definition:

(nou) an arc of colored light in the sky caused by refraction of the sun's rays by rain (nou) an illusory hope

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈreɪnbəʊ

Examples:

She is the goddess of the rainbow.

The stripes symbolize the rainbow.

Another familiar caustic is the rainbow.

Learn more about:
rainbow

Related Words:

weather

How to perfect your pronunciation of: rainbow

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Common mistakes of rainbow pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Some learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "rain-BO" instead of the correct "RAIN-bow" (ˈreɪnˌboʊ in US, ˈreɪnˌbəʊ in UK). Tip: Remember that the first syllable carries the primary stress.
Vowel confusion: The vowel sound in the first syllable can be mispronounced as "a" instead of the correct "ay" sound (ˈreɪn). This can lead to confusion with similar words. Tip: Practice saying "rain" clearly to master the vowel sound.
Incorrect final sound: Some may pronounce "rainbow" with a hard "b" sound, making it sound like "rain-bow" instead of the smoother transition to "bow" (ˈboʊ in US, ˈbəʊ in UK). Tip: Focus on blending the "b" and "ow" for a fluid pronunciation.
Skipping syllables: Learners might unintentionally drop the "b" sound, saying "rain-o" instead of "rainbow" (ˈreɪnˌboʊ/ˈreɪnˌbəʊ). Tip: Emphasize both syllables when practicing to avoid omitting sounds.
Overemphasizing the "w": Some speakers may over-pronounce the "w" at the end, leading to an unnatural sound. The correct pronunciation is smoother (ˈreɪnˌboʊ/ˈreɪnˌbəʊ). Tip: Practice saying "rainbow" quickly to achieve a natural flow.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "rainbow" in American English?

In American English, "rainbow" is pronounced as /ˈreɪnˌboʊ/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "rain," which sounds like "rayn," followed by a lighter stress on "bow," pronounced like "boh."

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

Yes, in British English, "rainbow" is pronounced as /ˈreɪnˌbəʊ/. The primary stress remains on the first syllable, but the second syllable "bow" sounds like "buh-oh" instead of "boh."

How many syllables are in the word "rainbow"?

The word "rainbow" has two syllables: "rain" and "bow." Each syllable is pronounced clearly, making it easy to say.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "rainbow"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "RAIN-bow" instead of the correct "rain-BO." Remember to emphasize the first syllable while keeping the second syllable lighter.