Learn How to Pronounce thoroughly

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thoroughly

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈθʌrəli

Examples:

He was completely and thoroughly indiscreet in his bid for power.

The admonition is thoroughly warranted.

Lather in the hands and thoroughly wet the hair.

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thoroughly

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: thoroughly

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of thoroughly pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the second syllable instead of the first. The correct pronunciation is /ˈθɜːr.ə.li/ (UK) and /ˈθɜr.ə.li/ (US). Tip: Focus on emphasizing the first syllable "thor."
  2. Overpronouncing the "o": Many tend to pronounce the "o" in "thoroughly" as a long vowel sound. Instead, it should be a schwa sound /ə/. Tip: Practice saying "thuh-ruh-lee" to get comfortable with the correct sound.
  3. Ignoring the "ough": Some speakers may skip the "ough" entirely, leading to a mispronunciation. The "ough" should be pronounced as /ɜː/ or /ɜr/. Tip: Remember to articulate "thor" clearly to include the "ough."
  4. Shortening the final syllable: Learners often pronounce "thoroughly" with a quick, clipped ending. The final "ly" should be pronounced clearly as /li/. Tip: Emphasize the last syllable to ensure clarity in your speech.
  5. Mispronouncing the "th": The "th" in "thoroughly" can be challenging. Some pronounce it as a "t" or "d" sound. It should be voiced as /θ/. Tip: Practice the "th" sound by placing your tongue between your teeth and blowing air gently.

Frequently asked questions

How is "thoroughly" pronounced in American English?

In American English, "thoroughly" is pronounced as /ˈθɜr.ə.li/. The stress is on the first syllable, "thur," which sounds like "thur" in "third."

What is the British pronunciation of "thoroughly"?

In British English, "thoroughly" is pronounced as /ˈθʌr.ə.li/. The primary stress is still on the first syllable, but the vowel sound in "thur" is more like the "u" in "cup."

Does "thoroughly" have a schwa sound?

Yes, "thoroughly" contains a schwa sound /ə/ in the second syllable. This makes it sound softer and less emphasized compared to the stressed first syllable.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "thoroughly"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress or pronouncing the "ough" as "o" instead of "ur." Remember to stress the first syllable and pronounce it as /θɜr/ or /θʌr/ depending on your accent.
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