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unfamiliar

Phonetic Transcription:

ˌʌnfəˈmɪlɪə

Examples:

This was the unknown, the unfamiliar, the totally unexpected crisis.

It is the fear of the unexpected, the unfamiliar.

I am unfamiliar with the practices.

Learn more about:
unfamiliar

Related Words:

odd

How to perfect your pronunciation of: unfamiliar

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Common mistakes of unfamiliar pronunciation

Stress placement: Some learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "un-fə-ˈmɪl-ər". This is incorrect; the primary stress is on the third syllable: "ʌn-fə-ˈmɪl-jər". Tip: Focus on emphasizing "mɪl" when pronouncing "unfamiliar".
Vowel sound confusion: The first vowel can be mispronounced as "ʌ" instead of the correct "ʌn". Saying "ən-fə-ˈmɪl-ər" can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Practice saying "un" as in "fun" to maintain the correct sound.
Missing the "j" sound: Some speakers omit the "j" sound in "unfamiliar", pronouncing it as "ʌn-fə-ˈmɪl-ər" instead of "ʌn-fə-ˈmɪl-jər". This can make the word unclear. Tip: Pay attention to the "j" sound, which connects the syllables smoothly.
Incorrect final syllable: The last syllable is often mispronounced as "ər" instead of the correct "jər". Saying "ʌn-fə-ˈmɪl-ər" is a common mistake. Tip: Remember to end with a "j" sound, making it "ʌn-fə-ˈmɪl-jər".
Overemphasizing the schwa: Some learners stress the schwa sound in the second syllable too much, leading to "ʌn-ˈfə-mɪl-ər". The schwa should be subtle. Tip: Keep the second syllable light and quick, focusing on the primary stress in the third syllable.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "unfamiliar" in American English?

In American English, "unfamiliar" is pronounced as /ˌʌn.fəˈmɪl.jər/. The primary stress is on the third syllable "mil," while the first syllable "un" has a reduced vowel sound, similar to the "uh" in "cup."

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

Yes, in British English, "unfamiliar" is pronounced as /ˌʌn.fəˈmɪl.ə/ with the last syllable sounding like "uh" instead of "ər." This slight variation in the final syllable is a common feature between the two accents.

What syllable is stressed in the word "unfamiliar"?

The stress in "unfamiliar" falls on the third syllable, "mil." So, you would say it like this: un-fə-"MIL"-yə or un-fə-"MIL"-ər, depending on the accent.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "unfamiliar"?

A common mistake is not stressing the "mil" syllable correctly or pronouncing the "un" syllable too strongly. Remember to keep the first syllable light and the stress on "mil" for clarity.