4 syllables: com, mu, ni, ty. Stress on mu.
kuh-MYOO-nuh-tee
/kəˈmjunəti/
community is pronounced kuh-MYOO-nuh-tee (/kəˈmjunəti/). It has four syllables (com-mu-ni-ty), with the stress on "mu". A community is a group of individuals who share common characteristics, interests, or goals, often living in close proximity. This term encompasses a wide array of social constructs, from local neighborhoods to global networks, emphasizing the connections and interactions among members. Communities can be defined by geography, culture, or shared values, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
A community is a group of individuals who share common characteristics, interests, or goals, often living in close proximity. This term encompasses a wide array of social constructs, from local neighborhoods to global networks, emphasizing the connections and interactions among members. Communities can be defined by geography, culture, or shared values, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
Common pronunciation challenges for 'community' stem from stress patterns, vowel quality, and coarticulation: • Stress shift: Non-native speakers might unintentionally emphasize the wrong syllable, resulting in 'com-MU-nity' instead of the correct 'com-MU-nity'. • Vowel under-stress: The first vowel sound can be reduced, leading to a pronunciation that sounds more like 'comm' instead of 'kuh'. • Linking sounds: When spoken quickly, the transition from 'com' to 'mun' may result in dropping sounds or blending them unfairly, making it hard to recognize the word. • Syllable clarity: The last syllable 'ity' is often pronounced with a [ɪ] sound in UK and AU English, while American speakers may glide through it slightly differently. • Regional accents: Various English accents introduce their own nuances; for example, speakers from parts of the UK may elongate the 'u' vowel sound significantly. By focusing on correct stress placement and practicing linking with adjacent sounds, learners can improve their pronunciation significantly. Regular practice with native speakers or targeted phonetic exercises can further enhance pronunciation skills.
"The book club formed a vibrant community centered around their love for literature."
"In many cities, diverse communities coexist, contributing to a rich tapestry of culture."
"Online communities have grown significantly, allowing people to connect regardless of physical location."
'Community' is pronounced as /kəˈmjunəti/ in American English, /kəˈmjuːnɪti/ in British English, and /kəˈmjunɪti/ in Australian English. Notice that the syllable 'mun' receives less stress in all forms, while 'com' and 'ni' carry more prominent stress. It’s important to practice the linking sounds between syllables to ensure smooth pronunciation, especially in fast speech.
Common mistakes with 'community' often include misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as 'com-MU-nity' instead of 'com-MU-nity', which can sound unnatural. Additionally, some may shorten the vowel sound in the first syllable, making it sound more like 'comm', instead of the correct 'kuh'. Another challenge is to ensure clear pronunciation of the 'ity' ending, which is typically softer than expected.
In American English, 'community' is pronounced /kəˈmjunəti/, where the 'u' is a glide to a semi-vowel. In contrast, British English pronounces it /kəˈmjuːnɪti/, featuring a longer vowel sound in the 'u'. Australian English uses a similar pronunciation to British English but may vary slightly in the vowel quality. The primary difference is the vowel length and quality in the first syllable across these accents.
Mastering the pronunciation of 'community' is vital as it's a high-frequency word used in formal and informal discussions about social structures and relationships. Incorrect pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings or sound unprofessional in contexts like presentations or meetings. Proper stress and syllable linking are essential for clear communication and fluency, particularly in intercultural conversations.
When 'community' is used in phrases, its pronunciation may adjust slightly due to connected speech. For example, in 'the local community', the initial 'the' can blend into 'local', resulting in faster speech where the sounds connect. Additionally, in casual conversation, emphasizing 'community' over less stressed words can help clarify meaning, especially when discussing group activities or responsibilities.
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Understanding the differences in 'community' pronunciation across major English accents can greatly aid in mastering the word: • US Accent: Pronounced /kəˈmjunəti/, the 'u' is pronounced quickly, almost like 'yoo' but not fully glided; focus on merging it smoothly into 'mun'. • UK Accent: Typically /kəˈmjuːnɪti/, the emphasis on 'u' is more pronounced, featuring a lengthened vowel before falling to a softer 'mun'. • AU Accent: While similar to UK, some Australian speakers may flatten the vowel sound; pay attention to the diphthong quality. To differentiate these accents, listen actively and imitate native speakers through podcasts or videos, noting the transitions and vowel sounds.
The word 'community' comes from the Old French 'communauté', derived from Latin 'communitas', which is a combination of 'com-' (meaning 'with, together') and 'munus' (which means 'gift, duty'). The term originally described a group of people who shared common interests or responsibilities. In the 14th century, it began to take on the meaning of a collective sharing of resources or a common living space. Over time, the term extended beyond just geographical constraints to encompass virtual and social connections, leading to its broad modern usage in referring to any group sharing common characteristics or purposes. The first recorded use of 'community' in English dates back to around the 14th century, showcasing its long-standing relevance in social structures.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "community" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "community" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "community"
-ity sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
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