Pronunciation

prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən

nounmediumVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

The act or manner of speaking a word or language.

prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən

nounneutralmedium
General

The way in which a word or language is spoken.

Her English pronunciation is excellent.

💡 Simply: Pronunciation is simply HOW you say a word. It's all about the sound. Like, if someone says 'orange' as 'ah-ringe', that's a different pronunciation!

👶 For kids: Pronunciation is how you say a word.

More Examples

2

The software provides pronunciation guides for difficult words.

3

The pronunciation of some words can vary based on region.

How It's Used

Linguistics

"Accurate pronunciation is crucial for clear communication."

Education

"The teacher corrected the student's pronunciation of the word."

2

The standard or accepted way of saying a word or a language.

prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən

nounneutralBeginner
General

The accepted or correct way to say a word.

The dictionary provides the pronunciation of the word.

💡 Simply: The 'right' way to say something. Like, there's a correct pronunciation of 'tomato' - is it 'toe-MAY-toe' or 'toe-MAH-toe'?

👶 For kids: The way you should say a word so everyone understands.

More Examples

2

She corrected his pronunciation of the foreign word.

How It's Used

Language Learning

"Learners often consult dictionaries for the correct pronunciation."

Tip:If someone is asking for the correct pronunciation, they are asking for the standard accepted way to say it.

From Latin *prōnūntiātiō* (“a speaking forth, declaration”), from *prōnūntiō* (“I pronounce”), from *pro-* (“forth, forward”) + *nūntiō* (“I announce”).

The word's usage has remained consistent over time, primarily related to the study and teaching of languages.

Memory tip

Think of how you 'announce' a word when you speak it. The way you 'announce' it is its pronunciation.

pronounciationpronounciationpronounciation

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written