Learn How to Pronounce underwater

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underwater

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈʌndəwɔːtə

Examples:

Ocean explorer Robert Ballard takes us on a mindbending trip to underwater.

In the Neolithic age, the field was underwater.

Stemmtore lock the chamber to the underwater.

Learn more about:
underwater

Related Words:

ocean

marine

How to perfect your pronunciation of: underwater

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of underwater pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "un-der-'WATER". In both US and UK English, the primary stress is on the third syllable: "ˈʌndərˌwɔːtər" (US), "ˈʌndəˌwɔːtə" (UK). Tip: Focus on emphasizing "wa" in "underwater".
Omitting the second syllable: Many speakers drop the "der" and say "un-'WATER". This leads to a loss of clarity. The correct pronunciation includes all syllables: "ˈʌndərˌwɔːtər" (US), "ˈʌndəˌwɔːtə" (UK). Tip: Practice saying each syllable distinctly.
Incorrect vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "u" as "ju" in "underwater", leading to "jun-derwater". The correct sound is "ʌ" as in "cup". Tip: Use "ʌ" to ensure the correct vowel sound.
Blending sounds: Learners might blend "under" and "water" into "un-daw-ter". This can confuse listeners. The correct pronunciation separates the words clearly: "ˈʌndərˌwɔːtər" (US), "ˈʌndəˌwɔːtə" (UK). Tip: Pause slightly between syllables for clarity.
Mispronouncing "water": Some may say "water" as "wa-ter" instead of "wɔːtər" (US) or "wɔːtə" (UK). This alters the meaning and clarity. Tip: Focus on the correct "or" sound to improve pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "underwater" in American English?

In American English, "underwater" is pronounced as /ˌʌndərˈwɔtər/. The primary stress is on the third syllable, "wa," while the first syllable has a more relaxed sound, similar to the "u" in "cup."

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

Yes, in British English, "underwater" is pronounced as /ˌʌndəˈwɔːtə/. The main difference lies in the vowel sounds and the pronunciation of the final "r," which is often not pronounced in British accents.

What syllables are stressed in the word "underwater"?

In "underwater," the stress falls on the third syllable, "wa," making it /ˌʌndərˈwɔtər/ in American English. This means you should emphasize the "wa" sound while the other syllables are less stressed.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "underwater"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress or not pronouncing the "r" in "underwater" clearly, especially in British English. Remember to stress the "wa" and ensure the "r" is pronounced in American English for clarity.