Learn How to Pronounce shield

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shield

Definition:

(nou) a protective covering or structure (nou) armor carried on the arm to intercept blows (nou) hard outer covering or case of certain organisms such as arthropods and turtles

Phonetic Transcription:

ʃiːld

Examples:

The soldier is armed with sword and shield.

The escutcheon is a small shield.

The shield is welded in the front.

Learn more about:
shield

Related Words:

protect

sword

How to perfect your pronunciation of: shield

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Common mistakes of shield pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "shield" with a short "i" sound, like in "ship." This is incorrect. The correct pronunciation uses a long "ee" sound, as in /ʃiːld/ (US) and /ʃiːld/ (UK). Tip: Focus on elongating the "ee" sound.
Ignoring the "sh" sound: A common mistake is to pronounce "shield" starting with a hard "s" sound instead of the soft "sh." The correct sound is /ʃ/, as in "she." Tip: Practice saying "sh" before "ield" to get comfortable.
Overemphasizing the final "d": Some speakers stress the "d" at the end of "shield" too much, making it sound clipped. The correct pronunciation has a smooth ending, /ʃiːld/. Tip: Relax your tongue when pronouncing the final "d."
Skipping the "l" sound: Some learners omit the "l" in "shield," leading to a pronunciation like "sheed." This alters the word's meaning. The "l" is essential, pronounced clearly in /ʃiːld/. Tip: Make sure your tongue touches the roof of your mouth for the "l."
Incorrect syllable stress: Some people mistakenly stress the second syllable in "shield," treating it as two syllables. However, "shield" is a single-syllable word, /ʃiːld/. Tip: Practice saying "shield" quickly to reinforce its one-syllable nature.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "shield" in American English?

In American English, "shield" is pronounced as /ʃiːld/ with a long "ee" sound. The stress is on the single syllable, making it a clear and straightforward pronunciation.

What is the British pronunciation of "shield"?

In British English, "shield" is also pronounced as /ʃiːld/, so there is no difference in pronunciation between the American and British versions. The stress remains on the single syllable, ensuring consistency in how the word is spoken across regions.

Does "shield" have a schwa sound in any dialects?

No, "shield" does not contain a schwa sound in any dialects. The pronunciation remains /ʃiːld/, with a clear long "ee" sound and no unstressed vowels.

Are there common mistakes people make when pronouncing "shield"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "shield" as /ʃɪld/ with a short "i" sound, similar to "shild." This alters the meaning and can lead to confusion, so it's important to emphasize the long "ee" sound.