How to pronounce bewildered
Pronunciation is an essential aspect of language learning. Correctly pronouncing words can help you to be understood and increase your confidence when speaking English. In this article, we will guide you on how to pronounce the word “bewildered” accurately.
“Bewildered” is a common English word that describes the feeling of being confused or perplexed. It is often used to express a state of bewilderment or puzzlement. In order to pronounce this word correctly, you need to pay attention to the syllable stress and the individual sounds in the word.
The word “bewildered” has three syllables: be-wil-dered. The first syllable, “be,” is pronounced with a short “i” sound, similar to the word “bed”. The second syllable, “wil,” is pronounced with a long “i” sound, like the word “will.” The last syllable, “dered,” is pronounced with a short “e” sound, similar to the word “red.” Remember to stress the second syllable, “wil,” when pronouncing this word.
When pronouncing “bewildered,” it is important to also pay attention to the individual sounds in each syllable. The “b” sound at the beginning is voiced and pronounced by slightly closing your lips together and then releasing them. The “w” sound in the second syllable is a voiced bilabial approximant sound, formed by rounding your lips together and creating a small opening. The “d” sound at the end is voiced and pronounced by pressing the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth and releasing it.
Correct pronunciation of bewildered
To correctly pronounce the word “bewildered,” follow these steps:
Step 1: Pronounce the first syllable
Pronounce the first syllable “be” as in “bee.”
Step 2: Pronounce the second syllable
Pronounce the second syllable “wil” by stretching the “ee” sound, similar to the word “wheel.”
Step 3: Pronounce the third syllable
Pronounce the third syllable “dered” by saying “duh-red” with a short “u” sound like in the word “duh” and then blend into “red.”
The emphasis is on the second syllable, so be sure to elongate the “ee” sound in “wil” while keeping the other syllables short.
Remember to say the word slowly and carefully, with clear articulation of each syllable, to ensure correct pronunciation. Practicing with a native English speaker or listening to audio recordings can also help improve your pronunciation.
Learn how to pronounce bewildered correctly
Word | Phonetic Transcription | Audio |
---|---|---|
bewildered | /bɪˈwɪldərd/ |
Definition
Bewildered, an adjective, means to be confused, perplexed, or puzzled.
Usage
Here are some examples of how to use the word:
- I was completely bewildered by her sudden outburst.
- The complicated instructions left me feeling bewildered.
- The maze of hallways in the old castle left us bewildered and lost.
Tips for Pronunciation
To pronounce bewildered correctly, follow these steps:
- Start with the “b” sound, pronounced by pressing your lips together briefly.
- Then, say the “ih” sound, similar to the “i” in “sit”, by tensing the tongue without touching anything.
- Add the “w” sound by rounding your lips and then slightly opening them while the breath passes through.
- Next, pronounce the “ih” sound again.
- Pronounce the “l” sound by touching the tip of your tongue to the alveolar ridge just behind your upper teeth.
- Then, add the “d” sound by placing the tip of your tongue just behind the teeth and releasing it with a brief stop of the airflow.
- Finally, add the “ih” sound again.
Avoid pronouncing the word as “be-wild-erd” or “be-well-derd” by following the pronunciation guide above.
Common mispronunciations of bewildered
While the word “bewildered” may seem straightforward to pronounce, there are some common missteps that people often make. Here are a few commonly mispronounced words:
1. Buh-wheel-dered: One common mispronunciation of “bewildered” is “buh-wheel-dered.” However, the correct pronunciation is “bih-wil-derd,” with the emphasis on the second syllable.
2. Bew-ilder-d: Another variation that people frequently use is “bew-ilder-d.” To pronounce “bewildered” correctly, remember that the “e” in the first syllable is pronounced like “ih.” So it should be pronounced as “bih-wil-derd.”
3. Be-wil-deared: Some individuals might mistakenly say “be-wil-deared.” However, the correct pronunciation is “bih-wil-derd,” with the emphasis on the “wil” syllable.
4. Be-wild-uhd: One more common mistake is pronouncing “bewildered” as “be-wild-uhd.” Nevertheless, the correct way is “bih-wil-derd.” Remember to avoid adding an extra “uh” sound.
In summary, the correct pronunciation of “bewildered” is “bih-wil-derd,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. Avoid pronouncing it as “buh-wheel-dered,” “bew-ilder-d,” “be-wil-deared,” or “be-wild-uhd.”
Listen to the pronunciation of bewildered
bɪˈwɪldərd
(Click the audio file below to listen)
Tips for improving your pronunciation of bewildered
If you find the word “bewildered” challenging to pronounce, there are some techniques that can help you improve your pronunciation skills. Here are some tips to assist you:
- Break it down: Start by breaking the word into smaller syllables: be-wil-dered. This can make it easier to pronounce each syllable correctly.
- Listen carefully: Pay close attention to how native English speakers pronounce the word. You can achieve this by listening to recordings, watching videos, or practicing with a language partner.
- Mirror their mouth movements: Try mimicking the mouth movements of native English speakers as they say the word. This can help you produce the correct sounds and improve your overall pronunciation.
- Practice with tongue twisters: Tongue twisters are a fun way to improve your pronunciation skills. Look for tongue twisters that contain similar sounds found in “bewildered” and practice them regularly.
- Record yourself: Use a voice recording device or app to record yourself saying the word “bewildered.” Listen back to the recording and compare it to the pronunciation of native speakers. This way, you can identify areas where you need improvement.
- Slow down: Take your time when pronouncing “bewildered” and focus on each sound. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your speed.
- Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from native English speakers or a language tutor. Tutors who specialize in pronunciation can give you valuable guidance and help you correct any mistakes.
Remember, improving your pronunciation takes time and practice. By using these tips, you will gradually become more confident and accurate in pronouncing the word “bewildered.”