Learn How to Pronounce veteran

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veteran

Definition:

(nou) a serviceman who has seen considerable active service (nou) a person who has served in the armed forces (nou) an experienced person who has been through many battles; someone who has given long service

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈvetərən

Examples:

He was the veteran of the war.

Caesar awarded the case to the veteran.

He is a veteran of the Korean War.

Learn more about:
veteran

Related Words:

experienced

How to perfect your pronunciation of: veteran

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Common mistakes of veteran pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Many learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "vet-ˈer-an". The correct stress is on the first syllable: "ˈvɛt.ər.ən" (US) or "ˈvɛt.ər.ən" (UK). Tip: Practice saying "veteran" slowly, emphasizing the first syllable.
Skipping syllables: Some people might pronounce "veteran" as "ˈvɛt.rən", omitting the middle syllable. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Focus on pronouncing all three syllables clearly: "ˈvɛt.ər.ən".
Mispronouncing the vowel: The middle vowel sound can be difficult. Some may say "veterin" instead of "veteran". The correct pronunciation includes a schwa sound: "ˈvɛt.ər.ən". Tip: Listen to native speakers and repeat the word to master the vowel sounds.
Confusing "veteran" with "veterinary": Learners sometimes mix these two words, pronouncing "veteran" with an extra syllable, like "vet-er-ˈin-ery". The correct form is "ˈvɛt.ər.ən". Tip: Remember that "veteran" has three syllables, while "veterinary" has five.
Overemphasizing the "r": Some learners may pronounce "veteran" with a strong "r" sound, saying "vet-er-ˈran". The correct pronunciation softens the "r": "ˈvɛt.ər.ən". Tip: Practice saying "veteran" in a smooth, flowing manner to avoid overemphasizing the "r".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "veteran" in American English?

In American English, "veteran" is pronounced as /ˈvɛtərən/. The first syllable "vet" has the primary stress, and the second syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, making it sound like "vuh-truhn."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "veteran" between US and UK English?

Yes, in British English, "veteran" is pronounced as /ˈvɛtərən/ as well, but some speakers may emphasize the second syllable more, making it sound like "vet-er-uhn." The primary stress still remains on the first syllable in both dialects.

What is the syllable breakdown for the word "veteran"?

The word "veteran" has three syllables: "vet," "er," and "an." The first syllable carries the primary stress, while the other two syllables are less emphasized, with the second syllable often pronounced as a schwa.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "veteran"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress or pronouncing the second syllable too strongly. Remember, it should sound like "VET-er-uhn," with the emphasis on the first syllable and a quick, soft sound in the second.