Most Commonly Mispronounced Words That You Might Be Saying

The pronunciation of various English words can be pretty complicated – even native English speakers may mispronounce certain words. Mispronunciation of English words occurs more often than you may realize. Also, you may have been involved in quite a few debates about how to pronounce a particular word. However, we are sure that there are quite a few words that even you may be pronouncing incorrectly without even realizing. Do not be anxious; here is a list of the most frequently mispronounced words in English. Read on for some of the most mispronounced words in English.

Popular Words People Mispronounce All Their Lives

Mispronouncing words can be embarrassing, especially when you are in the presence of Grammar Nazis. So, have a look at these words you may be pronouncing wrong and never get embarrassed again.

1. GIF

GIF stands for Graphical Interchange Format, and it is a computer file format for the storage and compression of visually digital information.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

GIF is most often mispronounced as Giff (like gift).

How it Must be Pronounced

If you have ever tried to pronounce this word or heard someone else pronounce it, you might think that the correct way of pronouncing it is with a strong ‘G.’ However, this word should be pronounced as ‘jiff.’

2. Mischievous

Mischievous refers to showing a fondness for playfully creating trouble.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

Mischievous is most often mispronounced as Mis-Chee-Vous.

How it Must be Pronounced

The funny part about this word is that most of us have been pronouncing this word wrong since the 16th century and we still haven’t got it correct. We are not supposed to pronounce the ‘ee’ sound right at the middle of the word, and the ‘ee’ sound after the letter ‘V’ is not even there. So, the word must be pronounced as “MIS-CHUH-VUS.”

3. Aisle

An aisle is a passage between rows of seats.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

There is a good chance that you may be pronouncing this word as ai-suhl / ei-suhl.

How it Must be Pronounced

The next time you are at a mall or a supermarket, do remember that you are walking along the aisle which has a silent “s.” So, the word should be pronounced as “ILE.”

4. Archive

Archive means a collection of historical records or documents.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

Until now, you may have been pronouncing this word as aa-cheev / aa-keev.

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “AA-KIVE.”

5. Library

A library means a room or a building with a collection of books.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

This is one of the most mispronounced words, and you probably pronounce it as “lib-ra-ry.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “LIE-BRAIR-EE.”

6. Pronunciation

Pronunciation means how a word is pronounced.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

One of the top mispronounced words; you probably say it as “pro-noun-ciation.”

How it Must be Pronounced

There is no “noun” in the word; it is actually “nun.” This word should be pronounced as “PRO-NUN-SEE-AY-SHUN.”

7. Salmon

Salmon is a large eatable fish that is a common sporting fish.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

This word should be at the top of the list; you probably pronounce it as “sal-mun.”

How it Must be Pronounced

There is no “L” in the word; it is silent. This word should be pronounced as “SAM-UN.”

8. Ask

Ask means to say something to get some information or an answer.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

Many people pronounce this word as “Axe.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “AAS-SK.”

9. Wednesday

The meaning of this word is a no-brainer; it is the third day of the week.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

Many people pronounce this word as “wed-nez-day.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “WENZ-DAY.”

10. Stomach

All of us know that this is the internal organ of our body that aids in digestion.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

There are many English-speaking countries where this word is pronounced as ‘stoh-mahk.’

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “STUM-ICK.”

11. Mayonnaise

Foodies know that mayonnaise is a thick and creamy dressing consisting of oil and vinegar beaten along with egg yolks.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

This word is usually mispronounced as “Mai-yonn-aise.”

How it Must be Pronounced

The word should be pronounced as “MAY-O-NAIZE.”

12. Congrats

Congrats is an expression of pleasure at another individual’s good fortune or success.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

The word is usually mispronounced as “con-grates.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “KUHN-GRATS.”

13. Cupboard

A cupboard is a piece of furniture that has a door used for storage.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

The word is usually mispronounced as “cuhp-bohrd.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This should be pronounced as “KUH-BIRD.”

14. Debut

The word debut means an individual’s first performance or appearance in a specific role.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

The word is usually mispronounced as “dei-butt/dee-buht/duh-buht.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “DEI-BYOO.”

15. Forte

Forte means an activity or thing in which someone excels.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

This word is usually mispronounced as “forth.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “FOR-TEI.”

16. Genre

Genre means a category or style of music, art, or literature.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

This word is usually mispronounced as “jen-rei/jen-ruh.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “ZHON-RUH.”

17. Honor

Honor means self-esteem or respect.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

This word is usually mispronounced as “hoh-nuh / hoh-nuhr.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “AW-NU.”

18. Menu

Menu means a list of dishes available.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

This word is usually mispronounced as “muh-noo.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “MEH-NYOO.”

19. Plumber

A plumber means a person who fits and repairs equipment of water supply.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

This word is usually mispronounced as “plum-buh/plum-burr.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “PLUH-MUH.”

20. Rendezvous

Rendezvous is a French-origin word, meaning a meeting at an agreed place and time.

How it is Mistakenly Pronounced

This word is usually mispronounced as “rehn-dez-voos.”

How it Must be Pronounced

This word should be pronounced as “RON-DEI-VOO.”

Words often mispronounced are the easiest to pronounce in reality. So, how many words out of this list have you been mispronouncing? It is okay; all of us have made the same mistakes at least once in the past. Now that you know the correct pronunciations ensure to get them right the next time!

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