Words / B2

pr-uh-nuns-ee-AYSHUN/prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃn/

Pronunciation is how a word is spoken: pronunciation marks; a pronunciation guide. Pronounce is the verb. Marks for pronunciation are separate from grammar. Mix-up: punctuation is commas and full stops. Spell it -nun-, not “pronounciation”.

Meaning

The way a word or language is spoken.

Examples

• “Pronunciation marks in the oral are separate from grammar, the board said.”
• “A pronunciation guide sat beside the IPA, which is the reference sense.”

Good to know

pronunciation of + word; a pronunciation error. Verb: pronounce. Trap: punctuation / “pronounciation”. Orals and dictionaries. Sound, not spelling marks.

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