How to pronounce "apparatus"

apparatus

Noun
American
/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

Syllable Breakdown

ap pa ra tus

How natives say apparatus

British
/ˌæp.əˈreɪ.təs/

Syllable Breakdown

ap pa ra tus

How natives say apparatus

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'ap', pronounce it as 'æp' with the 'a' like in 'cat'.

  • Say 'pa', similar to 'puh', not stressing this part.

  • Emphasize 'ra', pronounced as 'ray'.

  • End with 'tus', pronounced like 'təs' quickly.

Common Mistakes

  • ap-pa-ra-tush

  • ap-pa-ray-tis

  • ap-ri-tus

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'ap', like 'æp', same as American.

  • Say 'pa', not strongly stressed, same as American.

  • Stress 'ra', says 'ray', same as American.

  • Finish with 'tus', sounds like 'təs', same as American.

common mistakes

  • ap-pa-ra-tish

  • ap-pa-ray-tees

  • ap-ra-tus

FAQ

Why is 'ra' stressed in 'apparatus'?

In both American and British English, emphasis is on the second syllable for clarity.

Is the 't' pronounced differently?

In both dialects, 't' can sound like a quick 'd' in casual American speech, but typically a clear 't' in British.

Is the 'ap' like 'ape'?

No, it's like 'æp', similar to the 'a' in 'cat'.

Definition

apparatus

A tool or equipment for a specific purpose.

Word Family

apparatuses

/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs.ɪz/

noun

Plural of apparatus

Example: Different apparatuses are needed for different tasks.

operate

/ˈɒp.ə.reɪt/

verb

To control a machine

Example: They operate the machine very carefully.

operation

/ˌɒp.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

noun

The action of operating

Example: The operation was successful.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Apparatus vs. apparatuses

- Additional 'ɪz' at the end for plural.

Apparatus vs. operate

- Different stress placement.

Apparatus vs. operation

- Syllable count and vowel differences.

Pro Tips

Focus on stress

Emphasize the second syllable to help with clarity.

Slow down

Practice saying the word slowly to master the syllable breaks before speeding up.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Apparatus

ability

/əˈbɪləti/

accessory

/əkˈsɛsəri/

adapt

/əˈdæpt/

adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/

advance

/ədˈvæns/

also

/ˈɔl.soʊ/

alter

/ˈɔltər/

appliance

/əˈplaɪəns/

Other Categories

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