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How to pronounce "responsibility"

responsibility

Noun
American
/rɪˌspɑːn.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/

Syllable Breakdown

re spon si bil i ty

How natives say responsibility

British
/rɪˌspɒn.sɪˈbɪl.ɪ.ti/

Syllable Breakdown

re spon si bil i ty

How natives say responsibility

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Step 1: Start with 're' as in 'red'.

  • Step 2: Move to 'spon' with a clear 'sp' sound, similar to 'sponge'.

  • Step 3: Emphasize 'bil' with a short 'i', like 'bill'.

Common Mistakes

  • res-pon-si-bil-ty (missing syllable)

  • re-spon-si-bil-it-ty (adding extra syllable)

  • res-pon-si-bil-i-tea (wrong vowel at the end)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Step 1: Start with 're' as in 'red'.

  • Step 2: Move to 'spon' with a clear 'sp' sound, similar to 'sponge' but with a short 'o'.

  • Step 3: Emphasize 'bil' with a short 'i', like 'bill'.

common mistakes

  • res-pon-si-bil-ty (missing syllable)

  • re-spon-si-bil-it-ty (adding extra syllable)

  • res-pon-si-bil-i-tea (wrong vowel at the end)

FAQ

How many syllables are in 'responsibility'?

It has six syllables.

Which syllable is stressed in 'responsibility'?

The primary stress is on the fourth syllable, 'bil'.

Why do I hear an extra sound in 'responsibility'?

Ensure you don't add extra syllables, focus on each distinct part.

Definition

responsibility

Being in charge of something or having duties to handle.

Word Family

responsible

/rɪˈspɒn.sɪ.bl̩/

adjective

Having a duty to deal with something.

Example: He is responsible for the project.

responsive

/rɪˈspɒn.sɪv/

adjective

Reacting quickly and positively.

Example: She was very responsive to his concerns.

responsibly

/rɪˈspɒn.sɪ.bli/

adverb

In a sensible and trustworthy manner.

Example: He acted responsibly.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Responsibility has more syllables and a different stress than 'responsible'.

Responsibility shares the root 'respon' but differs in suffixes compared to 'responsive'.

Responsibility's stress pattern is different from 'responsibly'.

Pro Tips

Focus on stress

In 'responsibility', stress the fourth syllable 'bil' to sound natural.

Break it down

Practice saying 're-spons-i-bil-i-ty' slowly to master each part.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Responsibility

advocacy

[ˈædvəkəsi]

alley

/ˈæ.li/

associate

/əˈsoʊʃiˌeɪt/

charitable

/ˈtʃær.ɪ.tə.bəl/

charity

/ˈtʃær.ɪ.ti/

citizen

/ˈsɪtɪzən/

city

/ˈsɪti/

civic

/ˈsɪvɪk/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

ability

agenda