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How to pronounce Trough

How to Pronounce "Trough"

Definition: How to say "Trough" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

trɔf (pronounced as trof)

How to say "Trough" correctly

Here are some definitions of Trough.

  • A long, narrow open container, typically one used for holding food or drink for animals
  • A channel used to convey a liquid
  • A long, narrow depression in a surface
  • A gutter under the eaves of a building for carrying off rainwater
  • A long, narrow, open receptacle for animals to drink from or feed out of

Learn to use Trough correctly with the following examples:

  • The farmer filled the trough with grain for the hungry pigs.
  • Rainwater gushed through the trough and into the drain.
  • The trail led us through a trough between two hills.
  • The old house had a rusty trough hanging under the roof.
  • The horses gathered around the trough to drink water.

Words close in sound to Trough:

Troughs, Through, Troughlike, Troughful, Troughing, Troughway, Troughed, Trougher, Troughsful, Troughwise,

Synonyms for Trough

Container, Channel, Gutter, Basin, Feed trough, Manger, Troughlet, Troughing, Receptacle, Troughway,

Antonyms for Trough

Peak, Summit, Apex, Crest, Pinnacle, Acme, Zenith, Top, Vertex, Climax,

Review Trough
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Tips to pronounce English words better

A couple of things to remember that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Trough‘:

  • Break down ‘Trough’ into each vowel, say it out loud whilst exaggerating each sound until you can consistently repeat it without mistakes.
  • Record yourself saying ‘Trough‘ in a full sentence and then watch or listen back. You’ll be able to find all of your flaws very easily.
  • Look up more videos on Google for how to pronounce ‘Trough‘ correctly.
  • Focus on one accent: when you mix multiple accents, it could confuse people, especially for beginners. So pick just one accent, perhaps US and master that.


A few more tips\techniques to enhance your pronunciation skills, we recommend learn the following methods:

Practicing contraction and abbreviation in speech is normal in the U.S. and is seen as a natural part of informal dialogue. For example, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is standard practice. Explore terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more insights.

Improving your intonation is essential for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English play a significant role in communicating your intended message and emotions. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can help you in learning these components to pronounce ‘Trough’.

Engage with a number of Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer no-cost resources that tackle important language skills. Pronounce.tv is an additional superb source for improving your pronunciation.

Imitating native speakers can markedly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Trough’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it habitual.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your routine. Learning and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you better pronounce challenging words.

Regularly use English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more comfortable you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, improving your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce trough in waves?

The word “trough” in the context of waves is pronounced as “trawf.” In oceanography and meteorology, a trough refers to a region of low pressure, often associated with a dip in a wave pattern. It is a common term used to describe the lowest point of a wave, which is the opposite of a crest. The pronunciation of “trough” in this context is different from the pronunciation of the word when referring to a long, narrow container used for feeding animals or holding liquids.

Is it pronounced trough or trough?

The word “trough” is pronounced as /trɒf/ in British English and /troʊf/ in American English. It is important to note that the pronunciation may vary depending on the regional dialect or accent. In both cases, the “ou” in “trough” is pronounced as a long vowel sound, similar to the word “owe.” The word “trough” has various meanings, such as a long, narrow container used to hold water or food for animals, a low point in a cycle or trend, or a long, hollow depression in the earth’s surface.

Why is trough pronounced with an F?

The pronunciation of “trough” with an ‘f’ sound instead of a ‘kh’ sound can be attributed to historical changes in the English language, particularly the Great Vowel Shift. In Old English, the word “trough” was pronounced as ‘to-kh’, with the ‘kh’ sound being similar to the ‘ch’ sound in Scottish loch. Over time, as a result of the Great Vowel Shift which occurred between the 14th and 18th centuries, the pronunciation of certain vowels in English changed. In the case of “trough,” the ‘o’ sound shifted to a ‘u’ sound, similar to the ‘u’ in ‘fun’. However, instead of the ‘kh’ sound disappearing completely, it evolved into an ‘f’ sound. This evolution of pronunciation is a common occurrence in languages as they change and develop over time.

Is there a specific reason for the silent ‘gh’ in the pronunciation of ‘trough’?

The silent ‘gh’ in the pronunciation of ‘trough’ is a result of the historical development of the English language. The word ‘trough’ has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled as ‘trōg.’ Over time, the pronunciation of the word evolved, but the spelling remained the same. The ‘gh’ in ‘trough’ is a remnant of the Old English spelling and pronunciation that no longer reflects the modern pronunciation of the word. This phenomenon is common in English, where spellings have often remained unchanged while pronunciations have evolved, leading to silent letters in words.

Are there any regional variations in how ‘trough’ is pronounced?

Yes, there are regional variations in how the word “trough” is pronounced. The pronunciation of “trough” can vary based on regional accents and dialects. For example, in some regions, such as parts of the United States and Canada, the word may be pronounced with a long “o” sound, like “troff.” In other regions, such as parts of the United Kingdom and Australia, the word may be pronounced with a short “o” sound, like “truff.” These variations in pronunciation are influenced by factors such as historical linguistic influences, cultural differences, and individual speech patterns.

What is the meaning of the word trough?

The word “trough” has several meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In one sense, a trough refers to a long, shallow container used for holding water or feed for domestic animals. It can also refer to a pipe, drain, or channel designed for the purpose of carrying water, such as a gutter. Additionally, a trough can describe a low point or depression in the ground, often used to channel water or other liquids. Overall, the term “trough” typically conveys the idea of a container or channel used for the transportation or containment of water or other substances.

Does the pronunciation of ‘trough’ change when used in meteorology?

In meteorology, the pronunciation of ‘trough’ does not change from its standard pronunciation. The term ‘trough’ is used to describe an elongated area of low pressure in the atmosphere, often associated with unsettled weather conditions. The pronunciation remains the same as in everyday language, with the ‘ou’ diphthong sounding like ‘ow’. Therefore, whether ‘trough’ is being used in a meteorological context or in general conversation, it is pronounced the same way.

Is there a historical reason behind the pronunciation of ‘trough’?

The pronunciation of the word “trough” can be traced back to its historical origins and linguistic evolution. The word “trough” comes from Middle English “trough” and Old English “trōg,” which ultimately derives from the Proto-Germanic word “*trugan.” Over time, the pronunciation of words can change due to various factors such as regional dialects, language influences, and phonetic shifts. In the case of “trough,” the pronunciation with the “ow” sound can be attributed to the Great Vowel Shift, a series of changes in the pronunciation of English vowels that occurred between the 14th and 18th centuries. This shift affected many words in the English language, including “trough.” So, the historical reason behind the pronunciation of “trough” can be linked to the linguistic developments and changes that have shaped the English language over centuries.

In what contexts is the word ‘trough’ commonly mispronounced?

The word “trough” is commonly mispronounced in various contexts, especially when it is confused with similar-sounding words or when the speaker is not familiar with its correct pronunciation. One common mispronunciation occurs when people mistake “trough” for “through” due to their similar spellings. Another context where “trough” is frequently mispronounced is when it is used in the context of a “trough” in meteorology, which is a region of low atmospheric pressure. In this case, the pronunciation may be confused with the word “trough” referring to a long, narrow container used to hold food or water for animals. Additionally, the word “trough” is sometimes mispronounced in technical or scientific contexts where individuals may not be familiar with the correct pronunciation of specialized terminology. Overall, the mispronunciation of “trough” can occur in a variety of contexts, but with practice and attention to pronunciation, it can be easily corrected.

Is the word ‘trough’ pronounced differently in British and American English?

Yes, the word “trough” is pronounced differently in British and American English. In British English, the word is typically pronounced as “trawf” with a short ‘o’ sound. In American English, the word is pronounced as “traw” with a long ‘o’ sound and a silent ‘gh’. The difference in pronunciation is a common example of how certain words can be pronounced differently in different English-speaking regions.

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