Learn How to Pronounce sorrow

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sorrow

Definition:

(nou) an emotion of great sadness associated with loss or bereavement (nou) sadness associated with some wrong done or some disappointment (nou) something that causes great unhappiness (nou) the state of being sad

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈsɒrəʊ

Examples:

But the overwhelming feeling is of sorrow.

It is a picture of the deepest sorrow and desolation.

The candle of the wise in this darkness of sorrow.

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sorrow

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: sorrow

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Common mistakes of sorrow pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "sor-ROH". The correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈsɔroʊ/ (US), /ˈsɒrəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Focus on emphasizing the "sor" part.
  2. Vowel confusion: A common mistake is pronouncing the "o" in "sorrow" as a long vowel, like in "so". The correct pronunciation features a short vowel sound: /ɔ/ (US), /ɒ/ (UK). Tip: Practice with words like "lot" to master the short vowel.
  3. Adding extra syllables: Some might pronounce "sorrow" as having three syllables, saying "sor-ROH-oh." The correct pronunciation has only two syllables: /ˈsɔroʊ/ (US), /ˈsɒrəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Break it down into "sor" and "row" for clarity.
  4. Mispronouncing the final "w": Learners may drop the "w" sound at the end, saying "sor-uh". The correct pronunciation includes the "w" sound: /oʊ/ (US), /əʊ/ (UK). Tip: Practice saying "row" to ensure you include the "w".
  5. Overemphasizing "r": Some might pronounce the "r" too strongly, making it sound harsh, like "sor-ROW." The "r" should be softer. The correct pronunciation is more fluid: /ˈsɔroʊ/ (US), /ˈsɒrəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Listen to native speakers for a smoother "r" sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "sorrow" in American English?

In American English, "sorrow" is pronounced as /ˈsɔroʊ/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "saw," followed by a quick "roh."

What is the British pronunciation of "sorrow"?

In British English, "sorrow" is pronounced as /ˈsɒrəʊ/. Here, the first syllable also receives the primary stress, but the vowel sounds differ from the American version.

How many syllables are in the word "sorrow"?

The word "sorrow" has two syllables: "sor" and "row." The first syllable is stressed, making it sound more prominent in speech.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "sorrow"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, leading to incorrect pronunciation. Remember to emphasize the first syllable, "sor," to avoid confusion with similar words like "sorrowful."
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