Learn How to Pronounce ultimate

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ultimate

Definition:

(nou) the finest or most superior quality of its kind

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈʌltɪmət

Examples:

The internet is the ultimate democracy.

He is the ultimate story of perseverance.

It is sort of the ultimate futile hobby.

Learn more about:
ultimate

Related Words:

final

How to perfect your pronunciation of: ultimate

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Common mistakes of ultimate pronunciation

Stress misplacement: Some learners place stress on the second syllable, saying "ul-ˈti-mate". The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈʌl.tɪ.mət" (US) and "ˈʌl.tɪ.meɪt" (UK). Tip: Always emphasize the first syllable to sound natural.
Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing the first vowel as "u" in "ultimate" instead of "ʌ". This leads to mispronunciations like "ul-ti-mate". Tip: Practice saying "ʌ" as in "cup" to improve accuracy.
Missing schwa: Some speakers omit the schwa sound in the final syllable, pronouncing it as "ˈʌl.tɪ.mɛt". The correct pronunciation includes the schwa: "ˈʌl.tɪ.mət" (US). Tip: Remember to soften the last syllable with a quick, light "ət" sound.
Overemphasis on "t": Learners often overemphasize the "t" in "ultimate", leading to "ul-ti-mate" with a harsh "t". The correct pronunciation has a softer "t": "ˈʌl.tɪ.mət". Tip: Focus on blending the sounds smoothly for better flow.
Confusing with similar words: Some may confuse "ultimate" with "ultimatum", leading to incorrect pronunciation. "Ultimate" is pronounced "ˈʌl.tɪ.mət", while "ultimatum" is "ˌʌl.tɪˈmeɪ.təm". Tip: Practice each word separately to distinguish their sounds.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "ultimate" in American English?

In American English, "ultimate" is pronounced as /ˈʌl.tɪ.mət/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "ull," followed by a quick "ti" and a softer "mat."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "ultimate" between British and American English?

Yes, in British English, "ultimate" is pronounced as /ˈʌl.tɪ.mət/ as well, so there is no significant difference in pronunciation. The stress pattern remains the same, with the emphasis on the first syllable.

What is the syllable breakdown for "ultimate"?

The word "ultimate" has three syllables: "ul," "ti," and "mate." Each syllable is pronounced quickly, with the first syllable receiving the primary stress.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "ultimate"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress on the second syllable, saying "ul-TI-mate" instead of the correct "UL-ti-mate." Remember to emphasize the first syllable for accurate pronunciation.