How to pronounce "lift"

lift

Noun
American
/lɪft/

Syllable Breakdown

lift

How natives say lift

British
/lɪft/

Syllable Breakdown

lift

How natives say lift

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'l' sound by placing the tongue behind the upper front teeth.

  • Move to the 'ɪ' sound as in 'sit', with an open-mid front unrounded vowel.

  • End with the 'ft' sound by placing the bottom lip under the top front teeth for 'f' and closing with 't'.

Common Mistakes

  • lɪb (lift)

  • leɪft (lift)

  • lɪvd (lift)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'l' sound by placing the tongue behind the upper front teeth.

  • Move to the 'ɪ' sound as in 'sit', keeping it short and sharp.

  • End with the 'ft' sound, ensuring clarity for the 't' by closing the vocal cords briefly.

common mistakes

  • lɪb (lift)

  • leɪft (lift)

  • lɪvd (lift)

FAQ

Is the 't' in 'lift' silent?

No, ensure you pronounce the 't' sound at the end.

Why is it not 'leeft'?

The vowel sound is short, as in 'sit', not long.

How to avoid saying 'lived'?

Focus on the 'ft' sound and clear pronunciation of 't'.

Definition

lift

An elevator or device that raises something.

Word Family

lifted

/ˈlɪftɪd/

verb

Raised or moved upwards.

Example: He lifted the box.

lifting

/ˈlɪftɪŋ/

verb

Raising or moving upwards.

Example: She is lifting weights.

liftoff

/ˈlɪftˌɔf/

noun

The beginning of a flight or launch.

Example: The rocket achieved liftoff.

Key Pronunciation Differences

'lifted' has a second syllable 'ɪd'

'lifting' adds 'ɪŋ' at the end

'liftoff' changes the end sound to 'ɔf'

Pro Tips

Focus on the short vowel

Make the 'ɪ' sound correct by keeping it short, like in 'sit'.

Clear 'ft' ending

Ensure the 'f' and 't' sounds are distinct and clear.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Lift

ability

/əˈbɪləti/

accessory

/əkˈsɛsəri/

adapt

/əˈdæpt/

adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/

advance

/ədˈvæns/

also

/ˈɔl.soʊ/

alter

/ˈɔltər/

apparatus

/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

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