Learn How to Pronounce yearning

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yearning

Definition:

(nou) prolonged unfulfilled desire or need

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈjɜːnɪŋ

Examples:

The naked longing and yearning in his eyes is palpable.

In his heart he felt a yearning desire to merge with the absolute.

They are yearning to be like a celebrity.

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yearning

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: yearning

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Common mistakes of yearning pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners place the stress on the second syllable, saying "yearn-ING" instead of "YEAR-ning". This can lead to confusion. Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable: /ˈjɜrnɪŋ/ (US), /ˈjɜːnɪŋ/ (UK).
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is pronouncing "yearning" with a short "e" sound, like "yern-ing". This alters the word's meaning. Tip: Focus on the "ear" sound, which is pronounced /jɜr/ (US) or /jɜː/ (UK).
  3. Overemphasizing the "n": Some speakers may overly stress the "n" in "yearning", making it sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "n" soft and ensure it flows smoothly with the preceding vowel sound.
  4. Dropping the final "g": It's common to hear "yearnin'" in casual speech. While this is acceptable in informal contexts, it's incorrect in standard pronunciation. Tip: Always pronounce the "g" at the end clearly: /ɪŋ/.
  5. Confusing "yearning" with "earning": Some learners mix these two words due to similar sounds. "Yearning" refers to a deep desire, while "earning" relates to receiving money. Tip: Pay attention to the vowel sounds; "yearning" uses /jɜrn/ (US), while "earning" has /ɜrn/.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "yearning" in American English?

In American English, "yearning" is pronounced as /ˈjɜrnɪŋ/. The first syllable has primary stress, making it sound like "YUR-ning."

What is the British pronunciation of "yearning"?

In British English, "yearning" is pronounced the same way, /ˈjɜːnɪŋ/, but the vowel in the first syllable is a bit longer, sounding like "YURN-ing."

How many syllables are in the word "yearning"?

The word "yearning" has two syllables: "year" and "ning." It is pronounced as /ˈjɜrnɪŋ/ in American English, emphasizing the first syllable.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "yearning"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as "year-NING" instead of the correct "YUR-ning." Remember to stress the first syllable to sound natural.
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