For a variety of causes, people pronounce English words incorrectly, even native speakers. Aside from not being taught in school, certain words could be more difficult since they have only been read. Additionally, friend groups may mispronounce words collectively while pretending that everyone is pronouncing them correctly. Acquiring knowledge of often mispronounced English terms is crucial. It enhances your ability to listen and pronounce words correctly. Pronouncing words correctly in English may not always be easy. Sometimes there’s an astounding difference between how a word sounds when you say it and what you write. It’s time to review some of the most frequently mispronounced terms to ensure you are pronouncing them correctly. By reviewing and revising your language usage, you’ll only get more proficient.
Let’s start with some commonly mispronounced words in English :
The Cupboard (/ˈkʌbəd/)
A cupboard is a furniture item that has shelves where items can be stored. Remember that the letter “p” in this word is silent.
Salmon (/sAmUHn/)
One sort of fish is salmon. Remember that this word’s “l” is silent. This term is pronounced the same in both British and American dialects, however, certain pronunciations may vary.
Almond (/ˈɑː.mənd/)
It is a type of nut. The pronunciation of this term varies between American and British accents. The “l” is omitted from the American pronunciation very little. The “l” is not pronounced in the British pronunciation, though.
Library (/lIEbrUHREE/)
A library is a location where books are kept; this term is frequently mispronounced. The pronunciation of this term varies between American and British accents.
Clothes (/kloʊðz/)
The pronunciation of this term varies between American and British accents. It is spoken like the word “close” in the American dialect. However, the British pronounce “th” extremely softly.
Desert (/dəˈzɝts/)
A desert is a region of land that is covered with sand and has little or no rainfall. When saying “desert,” the initial syllable is stressed.
Dessert (/dɪˈzɝts/)
Dessert is the term for the sweet dish that is served after dinner. When saying “dessert,” the second syllable is stressed.
Iron ([ˈaɪ. əɹn])
One type of metal and a necessary chemical for our body is ron. An iron, as a noun, can also refer to a heated item that you use to smooth the surface of your clothing after plugging it in. The verb “iron” refers to using a heated item, such as an iron, to flatten clothing. Both American and British people pronounce this word precisely the same way.
Now let’s delve into more complicated words
Colonel (KERN-ull)
You have probably heard the term “colonel” more than once if you have military relatives or have played any video games with troops in them. Although the name designates an officer higher in rank than a lieutenant, pronouncing it correctly is more than a little tricky.
The word can be pronounced call-oh-neel when you read it. Although it looks that way, when spoken correctly, it sounds just like kernel.
Mischievous (MIS-chuh-vus)
(Of a person, animal, or action) bringing about or displaying a playful penchant for troublemaking. They’re not being mis-CHEE-vee-us when they do. They are MIS-chuh-vus rascals who frequently want to make others laugh.
Flutist (FLOO-tist)
A flutist is a person who plays the flute. The phrase is pronounced FLOO in the first syllable in American English, however, it is referred to as fl-OW-test in British English. While FLOO will help you stay in line with American accents, both are technically correct.
Chaos (KAY-os)
It is a situation of complete disorder and confusion. Similar to the sound in the word echo, the “ch” becomes a K. By identifying the letters as perplexing, in line with the definition of the term, you may make this easy to remember.
Synonymous (si-NON-uh-muhs)
Paradoxically, many individuals use the same term to describe two things that are comparable. Though it sounds like si-NON-ee-mis in some American accents, the actual pronunciation is si-NON-uh-muhs.
Hypocrisy (hi-POK-ruh-see)
It is the practice of claiming to have higher standards or more noble beliefs than is the case. Although it sounds like hi-POK-reh-see to some, the third syllable has a lower “ruh” sound.
Zucchini (zoo-KEE-nee)
The immature fruit of a vegetable marrow; a courgette. A zoo-CHEE-nee is not a real thing. The cashier at your neighborhood grocery store will probably give you a strange look if you ask for assistance locating it before directing you to the produce aisle’s zoo-KEE-nee section.
Fricassee (fik-uh-SEE)
A dish of stewed or fried pieces of meat served in a thick white sauce. This recipe blends protein with a buttery sauce, but before you try it, be sure you can pronounce fik-uh-SEE.
Rapport (ra-POR)
It is a tight, peaceful connection when the individuals or groups involved are “in sync” with one another, easily comprehend one another’s thoughts or feelings, and communicate well. Although this term sounds like ra-POR, it really looks like ra-PORT.
Yacht (yaht)
A yacht is a large vessel used for racing or leisure travel that has sails or a motor. It’s one of the most difficult English words to spell, but if you know that it comes from the Dutch language, it becomes easy to recall.
Jeopardy (JEP-er-dee)
It is risk or danger of suffering damage, loss, demise, or injury. You may not believe that jeopardy is one of the most mispronounced words, but when people use this word in a legal context, they seldom think of trivia. Don’t forget to pronounce it JEP-er-dee rather than JEO-per-dee.
Provocative (pruh-VOK-uh-tiv)
It is producing a strong reaction, especially one that is intentional, like rage. Saying pro-voh-CAH-tiv is incorrect; you should say pruh-VOK-uh-tiv.
Queue (cue)
While queue refers to an organized line or file, cue usually refers to a signal that urges someone to do something. Because there are two additional, silent U and E in it, queue sounds like “cue.”
Official (uh-FISH-uhl)
A British film or television program may use the term “oh-FIS-see-ol.” Official has a different pronunciation depending on the culture, unlike obscure terms like açai.
We say “uh-FISH-uhl” in America. Similar words to official are special, commercial, etc.
If you want to learn more about these words, follow the link below: