Learn How to Pronounce specify

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

specify

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈspesɪfaɪ

Examples:

Could this specify the violations in the article

None of the definitions of cyborg specify this.

Learn more about:
specify

Related Words:

describe

quote

define

How to perfect your pronunciation of: specify

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say specify in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

Record Yourself

Say specify in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with specify.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of specify pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "spec-i-fy" instead of the correct "spec-i-fy" (ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ in US and UK). Tip: Remember to stress the first syllable to sound natural.
Overemphasizing the "i": Many pronounce "specify" with an exaggerated "i" sound, leading to "spe-ci-fy." This alters the pronunciation to ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ, which is incorrect. Tip: Keep the "i" short and subtle.
Dropping the "s": Some speakers might say "pecify," omitting the initial "s." This results in a mispronunciation of "specify" (ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ). Tip: Always enunciate the "s" clearly at the beginning.
Incorrect vowel sounds: A common mistake is using a long "e" sound in the first syllable, saying "spe-ci-fy." The correct pronunciation has a short "e" sound, as in "specify" (ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ). Tip: Focus on the short "e" for clarity.
Confusing with similar words: Learners often mix up "specify" with "satisfy," leading to mispronunciation. "Specify" (ˈspɛs.ɪ.faɪ) has a different stress pattern and vowel sounds. Tip: Practice saying each word separately to reinforce their distinctions.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "specify" in American English?

In American English, "specify" is pronounced as /ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪ/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "spe," while the second syllable, "ci," has a secondary stress.

What is the British pronunciation of "specify"?

In British English, "specify" is also pronounced as /ˈspɛsɪˌfaɪ/, similar to American English. The stress pattern remains the same, with the first syllable stressed.

How many syllables are in the word "specify"?

The word "specify" has four syllables: "spec-i-fy." It is important to clearly pronounce each syllable to ensure correct understanding.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "specify"?

A common mistake is to misplace the stress or to pronounce it too quickly, which can lead to confusion. Remember to emphasize the first syllable, "spec," to pronounce "specify" correctly.