Learn How to Pronounce uncertainty

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uncertainty

Definition:

(nou) being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance (nou) the state of being unsure of something

Phonetic Transcription:

ʌnˈsɜːtnti

Examples:

Soft despotism breeds fear, uncertainty, and doubt in the general populace.

It's a state of uncertainty and bewilderment.

That's the uncertainty in the measured value.

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uncertainty

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: uncertainty

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Common mistakes of uncertainty pronunciation

  1. Stress placement error: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "un-CER-tainty" instead of the correct "un-CER-tainty" /ʌnˈsɜːr.tən.ti/ (US) /ʌnˈsɜː.tən.ti/ (UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize "CER" for clarity.
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some may mispronounce the "e" in "uncertainty" as a long vowel, saying "un-ser-tainty." The correct pronunciation uses a schwa sound /ə/ in the second syllable. Tip: Practice the quick, soft "t" sound in the second syllable.
  3. Unclear "t" sound: Learners often soften the "t" in "uncertainty," resulting in a sound like "uncer-sainty." The correct pronunciation has a clear "t" /t/ sound. Tip: Focus on articulating "t" sharply to avoid blending.
  4. Missing "n" sound: Some speakers might drop the "n" in the first syllable, pronouncing it as "u-certainty." The correct form includes the "n," pronounced /ʌn/. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the initial "un" fully to maintain the word's integrity.
  5. Syllable reduction: Many tend to reduce "uncertainty" to two syllables, saying "un-certainty." The word has four syllables in total. Tip: Break it down into "un-CER-tainty" to practice the full pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "uncertainty" correctly?

In American English, "uncertainty" is pronounced as /ʌnˈsɜr.tən.ti/ with the primary stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is pronounced as /ʌnˈsɜː.tən.ti/, where the vowel sound in the stressed syllable is slightly longer.

What are the syllables in "uncertainty"?

The word "uncertainty" has four syllables: un-cert-ain-ty. The stress falls on the second syllable, "cert," making it pronounced as /ʌnˈsɜr.tən.ti/ in American English.

Is there a schwa sound in "uncertainty"?

Yes, "uncertainty" contains a schwa sound in the third syllable, pronounced as "tən." The schwa /ə/ is an unstressed vowel sound that often appears in English, making it sound softer and quicker.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "uncertainty"?

One common mistake is placing too much stress on the first syllable instead of the second. Remember to emphasize "cert" as /ˈsɜr/ to pronounce "uncertainty" correctly.
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