How to pronounce "microscope"

microscope

Noun
American
/ˈmaɪ.krəˌskoʊp/

Syllable Breakdown

mi cro scope

How natives say microscope

British
/ˈmaɪ.krə.skəʊp/

Syllable Breakdown

mi cro scope

How natives say microscope

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'my' (/maɪ/) like 'myself'.

  • Say 'cro' with a relaxed 'r' (/krə/).

  • Finish with 'scope' (/skoʊp/) sounding like 'hope'.

Common Mistakes

  • ma-ker-scope

  • mike-ro-scope

  • might-grow-scope

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'my' (/maɪ/) like 'myself'.

  • Say 'cro' with a clearer 'r' (/krə/).

  • Finish with 'scope' (/skəʊp/) with an 'əʊ' like 'go'.

common mistakes

  • ma-ker-scope

  • mike-ro-scope

  • might-grow-scope

FAQ

Why is the stress on the first syllable?

In many multi-syllable words, stress is often at the start.

Is 'microscope' pronounced differently in UK and US English?

Yes, mainly in the 'scope' part: 'əʊ' in UK and 'oʊ' in US.

How do I improve clarity on the 'my' sound?

Emphasize the 'ai' diphthong by rounding your lips slightly.

Definition

microscope

A tool for seeing very small things.

Word Family

microscopy

/maɪˈkrɒskəpi/

noun

The science of using microscopes.

Example: Microscopy is crucial in biology.

microscopic

/ˌmaɪ.krəˈskɒp.ɪk/

adjective

Very small; only seen with a microscope.

Example: Microscopic organisms live in water.

microscopist

/maɪˈkrɒskəpɪst/

noun

A person who uses or is skilled in microscopy.

Example: She works as a microscopist.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Microscopy ends with /pəpi/ unlike /skoʊp/ in microscope.

Microscopic has a different stress on the third syllable.

Microscopist has 'ist' at the end, shifting stress.

Pro Tips

Focus on the 'ai' sound

Practice 'my' (/maɪ/) separately to improve the first syllable.

End strong with 'scope'

Ensure to pronounce 'scope' clearly, differentiating 'oʊ' and 'əʊ'.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Microscope

ability

/əˈbɪləti/

accessory

/əkˈsɛsəri/

adapt

/əˈdæpt/

adjust

/əˈdʒʌst/

advance

/ədˈvæns/

also

/ˈɔl.soʊ/

alter

/ˈɔltər/

apparatus

/ˌæp.əˈɹeɪ.təs/

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