2 syllables: a, loud. Stress on loud.
uh-LOWD
/əˈlaʊd/
aloud is pronounced uh-LOWD (/əˈlaʊd/). It has two syllables (a-loud), with the stress on "loud". Aloud means speaking or reciting something with vocal sound clearly emitted, so that it can be heard by others. It contrasts with quietly or silently, highlighting audible articulation and public or semi-public delivery. The word emphasizes the act of pronunciation and projection in speech, rather than internal thought or whispered tones.
Aloud means speaking or reciting something with vocal sound clearly emitted, so that it can be heard by others. It contrasts with quietly or silently, highlighting audible articulation and public or semi-public delivery. The word emphasizes the act of pronunciation and projection in speech, rather than internal thought or whispered tones.
"She read the poem aloud to the class, letting each line resonate."
"The projector crackled as he spoke aloud, drawing everyone's attention."
"During practice, the coach asked them to repeat the phrase aloud to ensure proper enunciation."
Pronounced ə-ˈlaud with two syllables: the first is a relaxed schwa, and the second is a stressed diphthong /aʊ/ as in 'how.' Lip rounding begins gently, then widens as you glide to /aʊ/. Make sure the /l/ is clear and not swallowed; the tongue approaches the alveolar ridge for the /l/ before easing into the /aʊ/ sound. IPA: US/UK/AU → əˈlaʊd.
Common errors include reducing the second syllable to a quick /ə/ or /əʊ/, or turning the /laʊ/ into a long /laʊ/ without proper stress. Some speakers de-emphasize the initial /ə/ and begin with a stronger /æ/ instead of the neutral schwa. To correct: keep a light, relaxed first syllable, ensure the /l/ is pronounced, and glide clearly into /aʊ/. IPA cues help you monitor: əˈlaʊd.
In US, UK, and AU, the pronunciation centers on /əˈlaʊd/. The main variation is vowel quality in the r-colored accents; rhotic accents may have a slightly darker vowel, but /aɪ/ or /aʊ/ remains a diphthong. Non-rhotic speakers might soften the rless end, but the /aʊ/ nucleus stays intact. Stress placement remains on the second syllable. Overall, minimal phonetic drift occurs, with primary cues being the schwa and the /aʊ/ glide.
The difficulty lies in the precise diphthong /aʊ/ and the need to maintain a clear, audible /l/ before the diphthong. Many speakers blur the /l/ or shorten the first syllable, risking a mispronounced word like 'al-owed.' Also, keeping the second syllable stressed without turning it into a reduced form requires deliberate breath and tongue control. Focus on the two-part glide: /ə/ plus /laʊ/ with a crisp /d/ at the end.
A unique feature is the separation of a reduced first syllable (schwa) from a strongly stressed second syllable containing the /aʊ/ diphthong. You’ll often hear the initial vowel softened to /ə/ while the /laʊ/ portion remains dynamic, with a clear onset /l/ and a final /d/. This combination—soft initial vowel, prominent second-syllable nucleus, and terminal /d/—defines its audible, emphatic delivery.
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Aloud derives from the combination of the prefix a- (an intensifying or directionally outward sense) and the Middle English word loud, which itself comes from Old English hlūd, related to sound and voice. The sense of voice projecting outward developed in early Middle English, where phrases like out loud appeared to emphasize practical, audible speech in public or communal settings. Over time, aloud became a set phrase used in grammar and rhetoric to distinguish spoken performance from reading in a hushed or private manner. By Middle English and Early Modern English, aloud was established as an adverbial or adverbial-adjective form indicating audible utterance, particularly in instruction, drama, and oratory contexts. The term has maintained its core meaning of emitting vocal sound for others to hear, while broadening to colloquial usage for everyday speaking in public or semi-public environments. First known uses are attested in English texts from the 14th to 15th centuries, with increasing consistency by the 16th century as literacy and public schooling expanded. Modern usage often pairs aloud with reading, recitation, debate, or performance, and is frequently contrasted with silent reading or quiet speech in educational settings.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "aloud" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "aloud" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "aloud"
-oud sounds
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