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similar

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈsɪmələ

Examples:

Socialism and communism are similar but not the same.

These are the bodies with similar names and the same referent.

The same applies to distrust of the UN and similar organizations.

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similar

Related Words:

same

How to perfect your pronunciation of: similar

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Common mistakes of similar pronunciation

Confusing the vowel sounds: Many learners pronounce "similar" with an incorrect vowel sound, saying /ˈsɪmɪlər/ instead of the correct /ˈsɪmələ/ in US English. Tip: Focus on the schwa sound /ə/ in the second syllable.
Overemphasizing the "l": Some people stress the "l" too much, saying "sim-i-lar" instead of "sim-i-lar." This can lead to an unnatural pronunciation. Tip: Keep the "l" sound light and quick.
Misplacing the stress: Incorrectly stressing the second syllable, as in "sim-IL-ar," can change the word's rhythm. The correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈsɪm/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Practice saying "SIM-ilar" to reinforce the correct stress.
Ignoring the linking sounds: Some learners pronounce "similar" as if each syllable is separate, which can sound choppy. The correct pronunciation flows smoothly: /ˈsɪmələ/. Tip: Practice saying the word in a sentence to improve fluency.
Forgetting the final "r": In non-rhotic accents, like some UK varieties, the final "r" in "similar" may be dropped, leading to /ˈsɪmɪlə/. Tip: Be mindful of how you pronounce the "r" based on your accent.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "similar" in American English?

In American English, "similar" is pronounced as /ˈsɪm.ɪ.lər/. The stress is on the first syllable, "sim," which sounds like "sim" in "simple."

What is the British pronunciation of "similar"?

In British English, "similar" is pronounced as /ˈsɪm.ɪ.lə/. The primary stress is still on the first syllable, but the final syllable sounds like "luh" instead of "ler."

Is there a schwa sound in "similar"?

Yes, there is a schwa sound in "similar." The second syllable, "il," is pronounced as /ɪ/, and the last syllable can be pronounced with a schwa /ə/ in casual speech, making it sound softer.

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "similar"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "SIM-i-lar" instead of "SIM-ilar." Additionally, some learners may overemphasize the last syllable, which should be less pronounced.