How to pronounce amateur
Amateur is a word that is commonly mispronounced by non-native English speakers. It is a noun used to refer to a person who engages in an activity or pursuit for pleasure rather than as a profession.
The correct pronunciation of amateur is “am-uh-cher.” The emphasis is on the second syllable, which is pronounced with a short “u” sound, like the word “up.” The first syllable is pronounced with a long “a” sound, like the word “cat.” The final syllable is pronounced with a soft “r” sound followed by a schwa, which is the neutral vowel sound found in the word “uh”
It is important to note that the American English pronunciation of amateur differs slightly from the British English pronunciation. In British English, the final syllable is pronounced with an “u” sound, while in American English it is pronounced with the “er” sound followed by a schwa.
To improve your pronunciation of amateur, it can be helpful to practice saying the word slowly and clearly, breaking it up into its individual syllables. You can also listen to audio recordings of native speakers pronouncing the word to get a sense of the correct pronunciation.
What is the correct pronunciation of amateur?
In the English language, the word “amateur” is pronounced as /ˈæmÉ™tÉ™r/. The first syllable is pronounced with the short “a” sound, similar to “a” in “cat”. The second syllable includes a short schwa sound, indicated by the upside-down “e” symbol /É™/. The final syllable is also pronounced with a short “e” sound, similar to “e” in “her”. The stress is placed on the first syllable, so it sounds like “AM-a-ter”.
It is important to note that this pronunciation applies to the traditional form of the word “amateur”. Occasionally, the word is pronounced as /ˈamÉ™tjÊŠÉ™r/ with the “j” sound inserted between the “u” and “É™” sounds. This alternate pronunciation is more common in American English.
Word Origin
The word “amateur” originated from the French word “amateur”, which means “lover” or “enthusiast”. It entered the English language in the early 18th century and has since been used to refer to someone who engages in an activity or pursuit for personal enjoyment, rather than for professional reasons.
Proper Pronunciation Matters
Pronouncing words correctly is important in order to be easily understood by others and to demonstrate proficiency in spoken English. While some variations in pronunciation exist, understanding the standardized pronunciation of words like “amateur” can enhance effective communication.
| Word | IPA |
|---|---|
| amateur | /ˈæmətər/ |
| amateur (alternate) | /ˈamətjʊər/ |
A guide to pronouncing amateur correctly
Amateur is a word that can often trip people up with its unusual pronunciation.
Many people mistakenly pronounce it as “am-a-TURE” instead of the correct pronunciation, which is “AM-uh-tur”. The key to pronouncing amateur correctly is to focus on the three syllables and emphasize the first syllable.
| Incorrect Pronunciation: | am-a-TURE |
| Correct Pronunciation: | AM-uh-tur |
To further illustrate the correct pronunciation, here is a breakdown of the syllables:
| Syllable Breakdown: | AM – uh – tur |
Remember, when pronouncing amateur, emphasize the AM sound at the beginning, followed by the short UH sound, and finish with the TUR sound at the end. With a little practice, you’ll be saying amateur correctly in no time!
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