Learn How to Pronounce skeptical
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How to pronounce:
skeptical
Phonetic Transcription:
ˈskeptɪkəl
Examples:
This is the root of the word skeptical.
The narrator is observant and subtle, but skeptical.
The skeptical opinion would be the minority.
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Common mistakes of skeptical pronunciation
- Misplacing stress: Many pronounce "skeptical" with the stress on the second syllable, saying /ˈskɛp.tɪ.kəl/. The correct pronunciation has primary stress on the first syllable: /ˈskɛp.tɪ.kəl/ (US) and /ˈskep.tɪ.kəl/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the first syllable to emphasize the correct stress.
- Overemphasizing the vowel sounds: Some learners may pronounce "skeptical" with exaggerated vowel sounds, leading to unclear articulation. The correct IPA is /ˈskɛp.tɪ.kəl/ (US) and /ˈskep.tɪ.kəl/ (UK). Tip: Keep vowel sounds short and clear to maintain the word's flow.
- Ignoring the "k" sound: A common mistake is to drop the "k" sound, leading to pronunciations like /ˈsɛp.tɪ.kəl/. The correct pronunciation includes the "k": /ˈskɛp.tɪ.kəl/ (US) and /ˈskep.tɪ.kəl/ (UK). Tip: Ensure the "k" is pronounced distinctly to avoid confusion.
- Confusing with similar words: Some may confuse "skeptical" with "sceptical," especially in UK English, where both forms exist. The pronunciation remains the same: /ˈskɛp.tɪ.kəl/ (US) and /ˈskep.tɪ.kəl/ (UK). Tip: Remember that both forms are valid, but the spelling differs based on the region.
- Mispronouncing the final syllable: A frequent error is pronouncing the last syllable as "kal" instead of "kəl," leading to /ˈskɛp.tɪ.kal/. The correct pronunciation is /ˈskɛp.tɪ.kəl/ (US) and /ˈskep.tɪ.kəl/ (UK). Tip: Practice the final syllable to ensure it ends softly with a schwa sound.