Despite its widespread use, the English language can be riddled with pronunciation pitfalls. Even seemingly simple words can trip us up. To help clear up common errors, we’ve put together a list of words that people often say wrong. We have also highlighted the right ways to say them, along with a brief explanation of their origins.
We delved into various authoritative sources, including reputable dictionaries, pronunciation guides, and educational websites to ensure accuracy.
Join us as we explore these commonly mispronounced words and improve our pronunciation accuracy together. Whether you’re a language enthusiast or just looking to polish your pronunciation skills, this list is for you.
February
Pronunciation: feh-bruh-er-ee
One of the most commonly mispronounced words is the name of the second month of the year. People often mix up the syllables when pronouncing this month. Many people tend to say “Feb-yoo-ary,” but the correct pronunciation stresses a softer “u,” similar to the sound in “glue.” This pronunciation more closely aligns with its origin from the Roman god Februus, who is associated with purification. Hence, next time you say the word February, remember the soft “u.”
Espresso
Pronunciation: es-press-oh
This delicious coffee beverage is another word that often gets mispronounced. Many people add an extra syllable, making it sound like “ex-press-o.” However, espresso comes from the Italian word meaning “pressed out,” and its pronunciation reflects this origin. It has just three syllables, with the emphasis on the first “o”: “es-press-oh.” So, when ordering your next morning pick-me-up, remember to avoid the extra syllables.
Epitome
Pronunciation: eh-PIT-oh-mee
This word signifies the highest point or a perfect example of something. It frequently gets an extra syllable tacked on, making it sound like “ep-i-tome.” The word has Greek origin, meaning “highest point”. It has four syllables, with the emphasis on the second syllable: “eh-PIT-oh-mee.” So, whether you’re describing someone as the epitome of kindness or Paris as the epitome of romance, remember the four clear syllables.
Suite
Pronunciation: Sweet
This word can refer to a set of rooms or a software package. It’s often mistakenly pronounced like the word suit (the clothing item). The word comes from French origin, originally meaning “a set of rooms.” It rhymes with “feet,” which is simply pronounced as “sweet” but with a different spelling.
Anemone
Pronunciation: uh-NEM-uh-nee
This beautiful flowering plant, belonging to the buttercup family, boasts a name with an interesting etymology. It stems from the Greek word “anemone,” which translates to “windflower.” This poetic name likely arose from the delicate nature of the flower’s petals, which sway gracefully in the breeze. The right way to say the word is “uh-NEM-uh-nee”.
Barbiturate
Pronunciation: bar-BIT-u-rate
This word, often associated with its historical use as a sedative medication, has a more scientific origin. It derives from “barbituric acid,” a compound discovered in the 19th century that formed the basis for the development of various barbiturate drugs. Today, they are rarely used in clinical settings due to the availability of safer alternatives. However, if you ever have to say the word, the right pronunciation would be “bar-BIT-u-rate”.
Cacophony
Pronunciation: kuh-KAH-fuh-nee
This word beautifully captures the essence of a harsh, discordant sound. Its roots lie in the ancient Greek language, where “kakophōnos” translates to “having a bad sound.” This aptly describes the unpleasant experience of cacophony. For example the the jarring screech of nails on a chalkboard or the overwhelming din of a crowded city street. The word is pronounced like- “kuh-KAH-fuh-nee”.
Colonel
Pronunciation: KER-nul
The word “colonel” comes from the French term “coronel,” which means a leader of a regiment. Over time, English adopted this word but changed the way it sounds. The pronunciation kept some French sounds, but it also lost the ‘r’ and changed the middle ‘l’ to sound like ‘r.’ The ‘l’ in the middle of “colonel” is silent, which can be confusing. When you say “colonel,” it should sound like “KER-nul.” This reflects the unique way words can change when they move from one language to another.
Quinoa
Pronunciation: KEEN-wah
This nutrient-rich grain, increasingly popular as a health food, has a fascinating history deeply rooted in the Andes region of South America. Its name originates from the Quechua language, spoken by indigenous communities in that area. The grain is often mispronounced as “Ki-nu-ah” with three syllables, but in reality, it has only two. The correct way of saying this word is “KEEN-wah”.
Hyperbole
Pronunciation: hi-PER-buh-lee
This word, often used to describe exaggerated statements, can be surprisingly tricky to pronounce correctly. The most common error lies in the middle syllable, where many tend to pronounce it as “per” with a hard “e” sound. However, the correct pronunciation emphasizes the “per” with a soft “e” sound like in “heard,” making it “hi-PER-buh-lee.”
Niche
Pronunciation: neesh
This word, referring to a specialized market or position, often gets its pronunciation muddled. The temptation might be to pronounce it like “nitch” with a hard “ch” sound, but the correct pronunciation utilizes a soft “sh” sound like in “she,” making it simply “neesh.”
Pseudonym
Pronunciation: SOO-duh-nim
This word, meaning a fictitious name used by an author, can be easily mispronounced due to its unfamiliar spelling. The most common error lies in the second syllable, where many pronounce it as “soo-DOH-nim” with a long “o” sound. However, the correct pronunciation utilizes a short “u” sound like in “put,” making it “SOO-duh-nim.”
Salmon
Pronunciation: SAM-un
This popular fish, known for its pink flesh and health benefits, often has its pronunciation slightly off. While the pronunciation “SAL-mun” with a long “a” sound like in “say” might seem intuitive, the correct pronunciation utilizes a short “a” sound like in “cat,” making it simply “SAM-un.” Some people, especially in non-standard or colloquial speech, may pronounce the “l” sound.
Solder
Pronunciation: SAH-der
Solder, a type of metal used to join other metals, has a surprising pronunciation. It comes from the Old French word “soudure,” which came from the Latin word “solidare,” meaning to make solid. Although the ‘l’ was pronounced in Old French and Latin, it became silent in English. This change happened as the word became part of the English language during the early modern period. Now, we say “solder” as “SAH-der,” without the ‘l’ sound. This simplifies the word but keeps its original meaning.
Mischievous
Pronunciation: mis-CHIV-us
Mischievous describes someone who is playfully naughty. This word comes from the Middle English word “mischieve,” which meant misfortune. When saying “mischievous,” some people mistakenly add an extra syllable, saying it as “mis-CHEE-vee-us.” However, the correct way is with three syllables: “mis-CHIV-us.” Mistakes often happen because the spelling makes it look like there should be more sounds. But, remembering the right way to say it helps keep the word true to its roots.
Remuneration
Pronunciation: ree-myoo-ner-AY-shun
This formal term for compensation can be challenging due to its multisyllabic nature. The most common errors lie in the middle syllables, which many might pronounce as “ree-myoo-NAY-shun” due to its association with the word “numeral” or “numeric”. However, there is no “num” sound in the word, and the correct pronunciation is “ree-myoo-ner-AY-shun.”