mispronounce: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium frequencyNeutral to formal; used in both spoken and written contexts.
Quick answer
What does “mispronounce” mean?
To pronounce a word, syllable, or name incorrectly.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To pronounce a word, syllable, or name incorrectly.
To fail to articulate the sounds of a word or phrase according to the accepted standard of a given language or dialect.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The concept is universal in both varieties.
Connotations
Slight formality; can be perceived as evaluative or corrective.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties, perhaps slightly more common in AmE due to greater public discourse on regional accents and pronunciation.
Grammar
How to Use “mispronounce” in a Sentence
Transitive (direct object): mispronounce a wordPassive: The word is often mispronounced.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mispronounce” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It's easy to mispronounce 'Worcestershire'.
- The presenter was embarrassed to have mispronounced the guest's surname.
American English
- Many people mispronounce 'espresso' as 'expresso'.
- He tends to mispronounce foreign loanwords.
adverb
British English
- He read the sentence mispronouncingly, confusing the audience. (rare/formal)
American English
- She spoke the phrase mispronouncingly, prompting a gentle correction. (rare/formal)
adjective
British English
- A commonly mispronounced placename is 'Godmanchester'.
- She gave the mispronounced phrase a second attempt.
American English
- 'Niche' is a frequently mispronounced word.
- The teacher corrected the mispronounced vowel sound.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, unless in training for presentations or public speaking: 'She was worried she might mispronounce the CEO's name.'
Academic
Common in linguistics, language teaching, and phonetics: 'The study examined why learners mispronounce certain phonemes.'
Everyday
Common when discussing language, names, or learning: 'I always mispronounce that restaurant's name.'
Technical
Used in speech therapy and accent coaching: 'The software identifies which sounds the client tends to mispronounce.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mispronounce”
- Misspelling as 'mispronunciate' (non-standard).
- Confusing with 'misinterpret' or 'misunderstand'.
- Incorrect stress: pronouncing it as /ˈmɪs.prə.naʊns/ (stress on first syllable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it can be used for any word, including common native words that someone might say incorrectly due to dialect, error, or unfamiliarity.
The noun is 'mispronunciation' (/ˌmɪs.prəˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/).
Yes, while often about individual sounds, it can also apply to incorrect word stress (e.g., pronouncing 'REcord' instead of 'reCORD') or sentence-level intonation patterns.
It depends on context and delivery. In casual conversation, it can be seen as pedantic. In language learning or professional settings (e.g., public speaking coaching), it is expected and helpful.
To pronounce a word, syllable, or name incorrectly.
Mispronounce is usually neutral to formal; used in both spoken and written contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To butcher a word (strong synonym for mispronounce severely)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MIS (wrong) + PRONOUNCE (say). You are saying it wrong.
Conceptual Metaphor
Pronunciation as a path or target; to mispronounce is to miss the target or take a wrong turn in articulation.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'mispronounce'?