How to pronounce "suppose"

suppose

Noun
American
/səˈpoʊz/

Syllable Breakdown

sup pose

How natives say suppose

British
/səˈpəʊz/

Syllable Breakdown

sup pose

How natives say suppose

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a soft 's' sound.

  • Follow with a schwa sound, like 'uh'.

  • Say 'poze' with stress, using a long 'o' and a 'z' sound.

Common Mistakes

  • sup-pose (misplacing stress)

  • sap-ose (wrong vowel sound)

  • sup-puz (incorrect consonant sound)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a soft 's' sound.

  • Follow with a schwa sound, like 'uh'.

  • Say 'pose' with stress, using a diphthong 'əʊ' and a 'z' sound.

common mistakes

  • sup-pose (misplacing stress)

  • sap-ose (wrong vowel sound)

  • sup-puz (incorrect consonant sound)

FAQ

Why is the stress on the second syllable?

In 'suppose', the verb form typically stresses the second syllable.

Can 'suppose' be a noun?

'Suppose' usually functions as a verb, not a noun.

How to differentiate 'z' sound?

The 'z' sound is voiced, with vibrations, unlike the voiceless 's'.

Definition

suppose

To think or guess about something.

Word Family

supposition

/ˌsʌp.əˈzɪʃ.ən/

noun

an idea or guess

Example: His supposition was correct.

presuppose

/priːsəˈpoʊz/

verb

to assume beforehand

Example: The theory presupposes complex mathematics.

supposing

/səˈpoʊzɪŋ/

conjunction

if something is true

Example: Supposing he doesn't come, we will leave.

Key Pronunciation Differences

'Suppose' vs 'supposition'

- Stress moves to third syllable.

'Suppose' vs 'presuppose'

- Added prefix 'pre' changes stress.

'Suppose' vs 'supposing'

- Additional 'ing' changes final syllable.

Pro Tips

Focus on syllable stress

Make sure to stress the second syllable correctly.

Practice the 'z' sound

Voiced 'z' should vibrate your vocal cords, unlike the 's' sound.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Suppose

adjoin

/əˈdʒɔɪn/

apartment

/əˈpɑrt.mənt/

applicable

/ˈæplɪkəbl̩/

arise

/əˈraɪz/

avenue

/ˈæv.ə.nuː/

backstage

/bækˈsteɪdʒ/

bench

/bɛntʃ/

beside

/bɪˈsaɪd/