Learn How to Pronounce severe

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severe

Phonetic Transcription:

sɪˈvɪə

Examples:

He is extremely severe and captious commander.

Thus the more serious the offence is the more severe the punishment will be.

The strike was severe.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: severe

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Common mistakes of severe pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Some learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "se-VER-e" instead of "se-VE-re" (ˈsəˌvɪr in US, səˈvɪə in UK). Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the second syllable.
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Mispronouncing the first vowel as "ee" can lead to saying "see-VER" instead of "severe" (səˈvɪə). Tip: Practice using the schwa sound "ə" in the first syllable to achieve the correct pronunciation.
  3. Ending sound neglect: Some may drop the final "re" sound, saying "sever" instead of "severe" (səˈvɪə). Tip: Ensure to pronounce the "re" clearly to maintain the word's integrity.
  4. Overemphasizing the "r": English learners might overly stress the "r" sound, leading to "seveR" (səˈvɪər). Tip: Keep the "r" sound subtle and focus on the vowel sounds for a smoother pronunciation.
  5. Incorrect syllable division: Saying "se-ver-e" instead of "se-vere" (səˈvɪə) can confuse listeners. Tip: Remember that "severe" has two syllables, and practice saying them fluidly together.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "severe" in American English?

In American English, "severe" is pronounced as /səˈvɪr/. The stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "veer."

What is the British pronunciation of "severe"?

In British English, "severe" is pronounced as /sɪˈvɪə/. The stress is still on the second syllable, but the vowel sound changes slightly to a more open "ear" sound.

Does "severe" have any silent letters?

No, "severe" does not have any silent letters. Each letter in the word is pronounced clearly, contributing to its overall sound.

What common mistakes do people make when pronouncing "severe"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /ˈsɛvər/ instead of /səˈvɪr/. This can lead to confusion, as it alters the word's intended meaning.
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