Learn How to Pronounce thumb
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How to pronounce:
thumb
Definition:
(nou) the thick short innermost digit of the forelimb (nou) the part of a glove that provides a covering for the thumb (nou) a convex molding having a cross section in the form of a quarter of a circle or of an ellipse
Phonetic Transcription:
θʌm
Examples:
The thumb and three largest fingers of the right hand pluck the strings.
The fingers are short and strong, the thumb is bulky.
The thumb is the first digit of the hand.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: thumb
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Common mistakes of thumb pronunciation
- Misplacing the initial sound: Some learners start "thumb" with a "t" sound instead of the correct "θ" (as in "think"). Tip: Practice saying "thumb" slowly, focusing on the "th" sound.
- Ignoring the silent letter: The "b" in "thumb" is silent, which can lead to mispronunciation. Instead of "thum-b," it should be pronounced as /θʌm/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Remember that "thumb" rhymes with "gum."
- Incorrect vowel sound: Some may pronounce "thumb" with a long vowel sound, like "thoom" instead of the short "ʌ." Tip: Emphasize the short "ʌ" sound, similar to the "u" in "cup."
- Stressing the wrong syllable: "Thumb" is a single-syllable word, so there is no additional syllable to stress. Tip: Focus on saying "thumb" clearly without adding extra beats.
- Confusing with similar words: Learners might confuse "thumb" with "tomb" or "dumb," leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Distinguish "thumb" by practicing the initial "th" sound and ensuring the "b" is silent.