How to pronounce exacerbate
Exacerbate is a verb that is commonly used in English but may present some difficulties when it comes to pronunciation. Its pronunciation is important as it influences the clarity of your speech and comprehension by others. In this article, we will provide you with a guide on how to correctly pronounce the word exacerbate and improve your spoken English.
Exacerbate is pronounced as ihg-ZAS-er-beyt, with emphasis on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced with a short “i” sound, similar to “ih”, while the “g” is pronounced with a soft “g” sound, like the “g” in “gem”. The “ZAS” part is pronounced with a short “a” sound, like the “a” in “cat”. The second syllable, “-er-beyt”, is pronounced with a schwa sound for the “er” and a long “a” sound for the “beyt”. The entire word is spoken in three syllables.
When pronouncing exacerbate, it is helpful to break it down into its syllables and practice each syllable separately. This will allow you to become familiar with the individual sounds and their order within the word. Additionally, paying attention to the stressed syllable, in this case the second syllable, will help you sound more natural when saying exacerbate.
Remember, practice is key when it comes to mastering pronunciation. Take the time to listen to native English speakers pronouncing exacerbate and other similar words to develop your own pronunciation skills. Incorporate the tips provided in this article, and soon you will be able to pronounce exacerbate confidently and accurately!
How to correctly pronounce exacerbate
The word “exacerbate” is a verb that means to make a problem, situation, or feeling more intense or severe. It is commonly used to describe a worsening or aggravation of something. To pronounce “exacerbate” correctly, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Break it down
Start by breaking the word down into syllables: ex-ac-er-bate.
Step 2: Emphasize the right syllable
An important part of pronouncing “exacerbate” correctly is emphasizing the second syllable, “ac.” This syllable should be pronounced with a short “a” sound, like the word “cat.”
Step 3: Pronounce the remaining syllables
For the first syllable, “ex,” pronounce it with a short “e” sound, similar to the word “bed.” The third syllable, “er,” should be pronounced with a short “er” sound, like the word “her.” Lastly, pronounce the final syllable, “bate,” with a long “ay” sound, like the word “mate.”
Putting it all together, “exacerbate” is pronounced as: ig-za-suhb-eyt.
Remember to take your time and practice the pronunciation until it feels natural. Listening to native English speakers pronouncing the word can also be helpful in acquiring the correct pronunciation.
Note: It’s important to note that “exacerbate” is derived from the Latin word “exacerbare,” which means to irritate or provoke. This may help in understanding the meaning and proper usage of the word in English.
Pronunciation and meaning of the word
Pronunciation: eks-AS-uhr-beyt
Meaning:
The word “exacerbate” is a verb that means to make a problem, a situation, or a feeling worse or more intense. It is often used in the context of exacerbating a problem, exacerbating a conflict, or exacerbating someone’s anger or pain.
Usage Example:
Her rude comments only served to exacerbate the tension in the room.
Tips for pronunciation
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Start by breaking down the word “exacerbate” into syllables. Pronounce each syllable separately: ex-ace-r-bate.
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Focus on the stressed syllable. In “exacerbate,” the stress falls on the second syllable (-ace-). Make sure you give it a clear emphasis.
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Pay attention to the vowel sounds. In this word, the stressed syllable contains the “ey” sound, as in “day” or “way.” Pronounce it accurately and let it be the longest vowel sound in the word.
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Practice saying the entire word slowly and clearly several times. Repeat it until you feel comfortable with its pronunciation.
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Listen to native speakers pronounce the word. Use online pronunciation resources or watch videos to familiarize yourself with the correct pronunciation.
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Don’t rush. Take your time to say the word correctly and clearly. Remember that improving your pronunciation takes practice and patience.
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Record yourself saying the word. Listen back to the recording and compare it to native speakers. Take note of any differences and adjust your pronunciation accordingly.
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Try using the word in sentences to further practice its pronunciation. This will help you become more comfortable with the word and integrate it into your vocabulary.
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Ask for feedback. If you have native speakers or English language mentors around you, ask them to listen to your pronunciation and provide feedback and guidance.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
When pronouncing the word “exacerbate,” there are some common mistakes that English learners often make. Here are a few of them, along with tips on how to avoid them:
1. Misplacing the stress
One common mistake is to place the stress on the first syllable of the word, pronouncing it as “ig-ZAS-er-bayt”. However, the correct pronunciation has the stress on the second syllable, so it should be pronounced as “ig-ZAS-er-beyt”.
2. Mispronouncing the “ex” sound
Another mistake is mispronouncing the “ex” sound at the beginning of the word. Many learners pronounce it as “eks” instead of “egz”. To avoid this, practice pronouncing words like “exact” or “excellent” correctly to get a better handle on the “egz” sound.
3. Rushing through the vowels
Some learners tend to rush through the vowel sounds in the word, making it sound like “ig-ZAS-er-bet” or “ig-ZAS-er-bite”. To avoid this, take your time while pronouncing each vowel sound and make sure to give equal emphasis to each one.
By being aware of these common mistakes and practicing the correct pronunciation, you will soon be able to pronounce “exacerbate” accurately and confidently.