Learn How to Pronounce scold

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scold

Definition:

(nou) someone (especially a woman) who annoys people by constantly finding fault

Phonetic Transcription:

skəʊld

Examples:

They scold, scream and shout.

Amy is treated in hospital for the scold.

It is needed to scold children for misbehavior.

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scold

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: scold

Learn Individual Sounds

Break scold down into individual sounds such as skəʊld. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Common mistakes of scold pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners may pronounce "scold" as /skoʊld/ instead of /skəʊld/ (UK). This can lead to confusion. Tip: Focus on the long "o" sound in "scold" to ensure clarity.
  2. Ignoring the "l" sound: A common mistake is omitting the "l" in "scold," leading to a pronunciation like /skoʊd/. This alters the meaning. Tip: Practice emphasizing the "l" by slowing down your pronunciation.
  3. Incorrect stress placement: Some may stress the second syllable, saying "scold" as /skəʊld/ with the stress on the "old." This is incorrect. Tip: Remember that "scold" is a one-syllable word, so the stress is on the entire word.
  4. Confusing with similar words: Learners might confuse "scold" with "scolded" or "scolding," mispronouncing it as /ˈskoʊldɪd/. This can change the intended message. Tip: Practice each form separately to distinguish between them clearly.
  5. Overemphasizing the "s" sound: Some speakers may pronounce "scold" with an exaggerated "s" as /sˈkoʊld/. This can sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "s" soft and blend it smoothly into the "c" sound for a more natural pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "scold"?

The word "scold" is pronounced as /skoʊld/ in American English and /skəʊld/ in British English. The primary stress is on the single syllable, making it sound like "skohld" in the US and "skohld" in the UK.

What is the syllable structure of "scold"?

"Scold" is a one-syllable word, which means it has no internal breaks or divisions. This makes it straightforward to pronounce, as you say it in one continuous sound.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "scold"?

A common mistake is misplacing the vowel sound, often pronouncing it as "scold" with a schwa sound, like "skəld." Remember to use the correct vowel sound, which is a long "o" in both American and British pronunciations.

Does "scold" have any homophones?

Yes, "scold" has a homophone: "scold" (to reprimand) and "scold" (a variant of the word "scold" in some dialects). However, they are contextually different, so be mindful of the usage.
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