Mispronounced: meaning, definitions and examples

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mispronounced

 

[ ˌmΙͺsprΙ™Λˆnaʊnst ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

incorrect pronunciation

Mispronounced refers to the act of pronouncing a word incorrectly or in an unintended manner. This can occur due to various factors such as regional accents, lack of knowledge about the word, or miscommunication. It often leads to misunderstandings in spoken language.

Synonyms

garble, mangle, misarticulate.

Examples of usage

  • She mispronounced my name during the introduction.
  • The teacher noted that many students mispronounced the difficult vocabulary.
  • He always mispronounces the title of the book.
  • Despite practicing, she still mispronounced several words in her speech.

Etymology

The term 'mispronounced' is derived from the prefix 'mis-', which originates from Old English and denotes wrongness or error, combined with the verb 'pronounce'. The word 'pronounce' itself comes from the Latin word 'pronuntiare', meaning 'to proclaim or declare', which passed into Middle English as 'pronuncen'. The inclusion of 'mis-' indicates an incorrect action in the context of enunciation. The concept of mispronunciation has been a concern in language usage for centuries, as accurate pronunciation is crucial for effective communication. As languages evolve, new words and names may often lead to mispronunciations, reflecting the dynamic nature of language and the influence of cultural exchange.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,337, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.