Learn How to Pronounce start

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start

Definition:

(nou) the beginning of anything (nou) the time at which something is supposed to begin (nou) a turn to be a starter (in a game at the beginning) (nou) a sudden involuntary movement (nou) the act of starting something (nou) a line indicating the location of the start of a race or a game (nou) a signal to begin (as in a race) (nou) the advantage gained by beginning early (as in a race)

Phonetic Transcription:

stɑːt

Examples:

The numbers are not running consecutively at the start of the article.

The new start was not promising for the British.

The leaves are beginning to fall, the flowers start to wither.

Learn more about:
start

Related Words:

begin

new

How to perfect your pronunciation of: start

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of start pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Some learners may incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "stārt" instead of "stɑrt" (US) or "stɑːt" (UK). Tip: Remember that "start" has primary stress on the first syllable.
Vowel confusion: Non-native speakers might pronounce the vowel sound incorrectly, saying "stert" instead of "start". The correct IPA is /stɑrt/ (US) and /stɑːt/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the open "a" sound in "start".
Overemphasizing the "r": Some may pronounce "start" with an exaggerated "r", resulting in "starrt". The correct pronunciation is /stɑrt/ (US) and /stɑːt/ (UK). Tip: Keep the "r" subtle and blend it smoothly with the preceding vowel.
Dropping the "t": A common mistake is to say "star" instead of "start", omitting the final "t" sound. The correct IPA is /stɑrt/ (US) and /stɑːt/ (UK). Tip: Make sure to articulate the "t" clearly at the end of "start".
Incorrect vowel length: Some learners may pronounce "start" with a short vowel sound, saying "stut" instead of the correct "stɑrt" (US) or "stɑːt" (UK). Tip: Practice elongating the vowel sound to match the correct pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "start" in American English?

In American English, "start" is pronounced as /stɑrt/ with the stress on the single syllable. The "ar" sounds like the "a" in "father," making it a broad sound.

What is the British pronunciation of "start"?

In British English, "start" is pronounced as /stɑːt/, which features a longer vowel sound. The "ar" is pronounced similarly, but the length of the vowel makes it distinct from the American variant.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "start"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing the "ar" as a short "a" sound, leading to a pronunciation like /stæt/. Remember, the correct pronunciation has the "ar" sound similar to "car," ensuring clarity.

How many syllables are in the word "start"?

The word "start" has only one syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. This single-syllable structure contributes to its straightforward pronunciation.