Word
pronunciation
Phoneticspro·nun·ci·a·tion, stress on the fourth syllable
US/pɹəˌnənsiˈeɪʃən/
UK/pɹənˌʌnsɪˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01how a word sounds
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. the way you say a word so that it sounds correct.
n. the specific manner in which a word is articulated, including stress, rhythm, and intonation.
“You can listen to the online dictionary to check the pronunciation of the word.”
“The student's pronunciation was remarkably accurate, though he still struggled with the subtle distinction between certain vowel sounds.”
Usage
Often used with the verbs 'improve', 'check', or 'practice'.
Pitfall
His pronounciation is very clear.
His pronunciation is very clear.
A common spelling error is adding an 'o' after the 'n'. While the verb is 'pronounce', the noun is 'pronunciation'.
Synonyms
02the act of speaking
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Academic
n. the act of making the sounds of a language.
n. the physical and phonological act of uttering sounds or words.
“Clear pronunciation is more important than having a perfect accent.”
“The teacher focused on the pronunciation of consonant clusters, which many learners find physically challenging to produce.”
Usage
Uncountable in this sense.
Etymology
From Middle English pronunciacioun, from Middle French prononciation, pronunciation, from Latin prōnūntiātiō, noun of action from perfect passive participle prōnūntiātus, from verb prōnūntiāre (“proclaim”), from prō- (“for”) + nūntiāre (“announce”). Doublet of pronuntiatio.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/pronunciation