Learn How to Pronounce reserved

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reserved

Phonetic Transcription:

rɪˈzɜːvd

Examples:

That indignity is usually reserved for the university.

The annals record is reserved in the museum.

The annexation of Oudh was reserved to the last.

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reserved

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: reserved

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Common mistakes of reserved pronunciation

  1. Stress misplacement: Some learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "re-ZER-ved" instead of the correct "re-SERVED" (/rɪˈzɜrvd/ in US, /rɪˈzɜːvd/ in UK). Tip: Remember the primary stress is on the second syllable.
  2. Vowel confusion: The vowel sound in the first syllable can be mispronounced as "ree" instead of "ri". This leads to "REE-served" rather than "ri-SERVED". Tip: Focus on the short "i" sound as in "sit".
  3. Ending sound omission: Some may drop the final "d" sound, pronouncing it as "re-SER-v" instead of "re-SERVED". This can change the word's meaning. Tip: Practice saying the final "d" clearly to ensure it's heard.
  4. Incorrect vowel length: The vowel in the second syllable can be elongated, leading to "re-ser-VEED" instead of "re-SERVED". Tip: Keep the vowel short and crisp to maintain the correct pronunciation.
  5. Overemphasis on consonants: Some learners may overemphasize the "r" and "s" sounds, making it sound choppy, like "R-eh-SERVED". Tip: Aim for a smoother transition between the sounds for a more natural pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "reserved"?

In American English, "reserved" is pronounced as /rɪˈzɜrvd/, with the stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is pronounced /rɪˈzɜːvd/, where the vowel sound in the second syllable is longer.

What is the syllable breakdown for "reserved"?

The word "reserved" has two syllables: "re-" and "-served." The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable has a stressed "zɜrv" sound.

Is there a schwa sound in "reserved"?

Yes, in "reserved," the first syllable "re-" contains a schwa sound, which is pronounced as /rɪ/. This sound is often found in unstressed syllables and is similar to a quick, relaxed "uh."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "reserved"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "RE-served" instead of "re-ZERVED." Additionally, some learners may pronounce the "r" in the second syllable too strongly, which can affect the overall clarity of the word.