Mastering the English language could be a tricky thing for not only those whose second language is English but even many top and accomplished orators often stumble over while pronouncing several English words.
The stumble happens mainly when the words are mispronounced. Even though practising English speaking is a skill in itself but, learning means one needs to practice both easy and difficult things simultaneously. Only then mastery can be achieved. No one becomes an expert while learning only the easier things says, Ms Goel.
Ms Sonu Goel, Founder and Director of Café Converse, Delhi’s most preferred institute for learning spoken English shares a list of some of the most difficult words to pronounce in English.
Anathema (uh-nath-uh-muh)
There are some of them. As for this word to roll off your tongue comfortably, and if you are pondering what it means, you’re not the only one. Anathema means someone or something intensely disliked — falls in the top 1% of looked-up words on Merriam-Webster.
Anemone (uh-nem-uh-nee)
Even Nemo was not able to pronounce this word in the Pixar movie while he lives in one! If you are able to get through the first two syllables, you are safe.
Antidisestablishmentarianism (an-tee-dis-uh—stab-lish-muh n-tair-ee-uh-niz—uh-m)
Quite a cumbersome word for many. For several people, it is the longest word they know. For some, it is a bona fide tongue twister at a staggering total of 28 letters and 13 syllables. (it actually means being opposed to the withdrawal of state assistance from an established church.)
Brewery (broo-uh-ree)
No, it is not just the talking about spirited beverages. Discussing beer-making bars while sober is difficult enough thanks to the tricky middle syllable.
Cavalry (kav-uh l-ree)
Metathesis strikes another time. It does not support that several people also confuse word cavalry (armed forces using horseback) with the place name Calvary, as in the Bible.
Comfortable (kuhm-fer-tuh-buh l)
Not that comfortable while pronouncing it. It is so, simply to skip that “tuh” sound, but simply because you are relaxing does not mean you must give up on enunciation.
Deteriorate (dih-teer-ee-uh-reyt)
The initial R coming in deteriorate gets the same treatment. You can attempt to say it properly, or simply pick one of multiple, synonyms instead such as decay, decline, devolve, degenerate, devolve … and those are just the Ds.
Explicit (ik-splis-it)
Do not lose heart. Almost everybody sounds like they have a lisp while they pronounce explicitly.
February (feb-roo-er-ee)
Here is one more scenario of dissimilation, except people mispronounce this word so regularly that several dictionaries accept it either way. As per Merriam-Webster, the “y” heard from various speakers is not an intrusion but a common pronunciation of the vowel “U” posts a consonant, as in January and annual.
Isthmus (is-muh s)
These double Ss are absolutely terrible. Fortunately, most people do not live on narrow strips of land and are able to ignore the geographical word altogether.
Often (aw-fuh n)
You might use this common word mostly enough, but if you are saying it as “off-ten,” you are technically wrong. Merriam-Webster suggests the T-less version since it properly reflects the evolution through its Middle English roots.
Phenomenon (fi-nom-uh-non)
The finest part of the word phenomenon is talking about several phenomena. Although if you would like to use the more boring “phenomenons,” the other plural is technically right as well.
If you are also looking to improve your English pronunciation, enroll yourself today in Café Converse and avail the finest English language learning courses from its top English teachers and instructors in Delhi.
Ms Sonu Goel is a professionally acclaimed certified ESL trainer from the British Council having 15 years of strong background for teaching the English language in both online and physical classes. She is dedicated to teaching of English in an interactive and practical way, whereby learners feel enriched with knowledge and experience the language hands-on. She uses creative ideas and aids to let the learning happen as organically and efficiently as possible. Ms Goel has travelled to various European countries and experienced an array of cultures and linguistic skills for the English language.
To learn more about Sonu Goel please visit : https://cafeconverse.com/best-english-tutor-coach-teacher-sonu-goel.html
