Learn How to Pronounce smooth

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smooth

Definition:

(nou) the act of smoothing

Phonetic Transcription:

smuːð

Examples:

The path is flat and smooth.

The external surface was smooth.

The surface is smooth and polished.

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smooth

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: smooth

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

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Common mistakes of smooth pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the "s": Many learners pronounce "smooth" as /smuːθ/, omitting the "s" sound. This leads to confusion with words like "mood." Tip: Focus on articulating the initial "s" sound clearly.
  2. Confusing the "th" sound: Some speakers may say "smooth" as /smuːd/, replacing the "th" with a "d." This changes the meaning entirely. Tip: Practice the "th" sound by placing your tongue gently between your teeth while exhaling.
  3. Incorrect vowel length: Learners sometimes shorten the vowel sound, pronouncing "smooth" as /smʊθ/. This can make the word sound unnatural. Tip: Stretch the "oo" sound to /uː/ to achieve the correct pronunciation.
  4. Stressing the wrong syllable: Some may incorrectly emphasize the second syllable, saying "smo-oth" instead of "smooth." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Remember that "smooth" is a one-syllable word, so keep the stress on the first and only syllable.
  5. Overemphasizing the final sound: Some speakers may pronounce "smooth" with an exaggerated "th," sounding like /smuːθh/. This can distort the word. Tip: Keep the "th" soft and subtle, just as in "bath."

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "smooth"?

In American English, "smooth" is pronounced as /smuːð/ with a long "oo" sound. In British English, the pronunciation is the same, emphasizing the smoothness of the "th" sound at the end.

What is the syllable structure of "smooth"?

The word "smooth" has one syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. It flows together smoothly with no breaks, which is reflected in its pronunciation.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "smooth"?

Many learners might mistakenly pronounce "smooth" with a hard "th" sound, like in "think." The correct pronunciation uses a softer "th" sound, as in "this."

Does "smooth" have any homophones or minimal pairs?

"Smooth" does not have direct homophones, but it can be confused with "smoothed," which is the past tense form. The difference lies in the pronunciation of the final sound, where "smooth" ends with /ð/ while "smoothed" has an added /d/ sound.
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