How to pronounce "improve"

improve

Verb
American
/ɪmˈpruv/

Syllable Breakdown

im prove

How natives say improve

British
/ɪmˈpruːv/

Syllable Breakdown

im prove

How natives say improve

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a short 'ih' sound as in 'it'.

  • Move to the blend of 'm' and 'p' smoothly.

  • End with a long 'oo' sound as in 'food' and a soft 'v'.

Common Mistakes

  • incorrect vowel sound (eem-prove)

  • missing the 'v' sound (im-proo)

  • pronouncing 'p' too hard (im-PROOVE)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a short 'ih' sound as in 'kit'.

  • Continue smoothly into 'm'.

  • End with a long 'oo' as in 'food' and a soft 'v'.

common mistakes

  • same as American

  • same as American

  • same as American

FAQ

Why is the 'oo' sound long?

The 'oo' in 'improve' requires a longer vowel sound as in 'food'.

Is the 'v' silent?

No, the 'v' should be pronounced clearly at the end.

Where is the stress in the word?

The stress is on the second syllable, 'prove'.

Definition

improve

To make something better.

Word Family

improvement

/ɪmˈpruvmənt/

noun

Act of improving

Example: The improvement is clear.

improvise

/ˈɪmprəˌvaɪz/

verb

Create spontaneously

Example: She can improvise a song.

improver

/ɪmˈpruvər/

noun

A person who improves

Example: He's an improver of systems.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Final 'ment' adds a syllable to 'improvement'.

'Vise' in 'improvise' uses a 'vize' sound.

'Er' in 'improver' should be clear with 'ur'.

Pro Tips

Focus on the vowels

Pay attention to the 'ih' and 'oo' sounds for clarity.

Break it down

Practice each syllable separately, then combine them.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Improve

ability

/əˈbɪləti/

accessory

/əkˈsɛsəri/

adapt

/əˈdæpt/

adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/

advance

/ədˈvæns/

also

/ˈɔl.soʊ/

alter

/ˈɔltər/

apparatus

/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

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abroad

agenda