Pronunciation

Definition

Pronunciation refers to the way in which a word or language sound is articulated and spoken; it encompasses the phonetic realization of speech sounds by a speaker or group of speakers. The act or manner of pronouncing words.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation (of “pronunciation” itself)

American English

• IPA: /prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/
• Respelling: pruh-NUN-see-AY-shuhn

British English

• IPA: /prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: pruh-NUN-see-AY-shun

Etymology

Mid 16th century: from Middle French prononciation, from Latin pronūntiātiō ‘a proclamation,’ from pronūntiāre ‘to announce, proclaim,’ from pro- ‘forth’ + nūntiāre ‘to announce.’

Derivatives

• pronounce (verb)
• pronounced (adjective)
• mispronunciation (noun)
• repronunciation (noun)

Synonyms

• articulation
• enunciation
• utterance
• diction

Antonyms

• mispronunciation
• inarticulacy

Usage

"She has a clear pronunciation that is easy to understand."

"Listening to native speakers can help improve your pronunciation."

Related Terms

• Phonetics: The study of speech sounds.
• Phonology: The study of sound patterns in language.
• Accent: A distinctive way of pronouncing a language.
• Intonation: The rise and fall of pitch in speech.
• Stress: Emphasis placed on a syllable or word.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act or manner of pronouncing words – how speakers shape and combine speech sounds.
  • Example: "His pronunciation of French vowels is very accurate."
• The way in which a particular word is sounded out – the accepted or standard articulation of a word.
  • Example: "Look up the pronunciation in the dictionary if you’re unsure."
• The system of sounds used in a language – the conventions and norms governing how words are spoken.
  • Example: "Differences in pronunciation can distinguish dialects."